1:30 PM LRN Newscast Nov 3

Assistant State Health Officer Dr. Joe Kanter says due to the extensive COVID-mitigation measures in place it is safe to go to the polls today. Kanter says the risk is about as equivalent as going to the grocery, but just like the grocery, everyone must mask up. He has this message for those who refuse to wear a mask in line…

Cut 6 (12) “…sick”

As voters nationwide who haven’t already cast a ballot are flocking to the polls for the presidential election, JMC Analytics pollster John Couvillon says Biden is favored to win because the President has the tougher task in that he’s unlikely to expand his 2016 electoral map and is playing defense across a wide range of states.

Cut 14 (11) “Georgia” 

Voters in northeast and central Louisiana and the Florida parishes will select a new Congressman for the 5th district today. There are nine candidates seeking to replace Republican Ralph Abraham, who did not seek re-election. ULM Political Science Professor Joshua Stockley says Abraham’s former chief of staff Luke Letlow has run a strong campaign.

Cut 3 (07)  “…radio print”  

Counting mail-in ballots is the most time-consuming process of an election and with COVID, there are a record-breaking number of absentee ballots in Louisiana, but new law changes that. Slidell Senator Sharon Hewitt authored Senate Bill 22 which allowed election officials to prep mail-in ballots four days ago to be counted. Hewitt received input from election officials to change absentee ballot procedures.

Cut 11 (10) “…the election.”

Election officials anticipate earlier results due to the change