By ROBIN SHANNON

L’Observateur

LAPLACE – Voters across the state and across the River Parishes will go to the polls today to cast ballots on a variety of state and local government positions up for election.

With weather expected to be pleasant all day today and a busy ballot on tap that includes several heated races across the state and the region, officials with the Registrar of Voters offices in St. John the Baptist, St. James and St. Charles parishes are anticipating an exceptionally high voter turnout. Residents are encouraged to examine a sample ballot and come prepared to make decisions and candidates, amendments and propositions within the three-minute time limit allotted in the voting booth.

Residents are also reminded to check and double check voter registration cards to make sure it is clear where to go vote. District lines across the state, as well as within each of the River Parishes, were redrawn following the results of the 2010 Census as part of a federal mandate.

The changes in districts mean a possible change in polling places for many residents. Residents who are unsure of where they must go to vote may visit the Louisiana Secretary of State’s website voter registration tool at https://voterportal.sos.la.gov/. Voters can search by name, address or parish to find polling places. The website also features sample ballots and other information about elections across the state.

The ballot includes statewide races for governor, lieutenant governor and other positions, state house and senate seats, state board of elementary and secondary education seats and five amendments to the state constitution. Local races in St. John, St. James and St. Charles parishes include parish president, sheriff, clerk of court, parish council and other local positions.

The polls open at 6 a.m. and close at 8 p.m.