RAPIDES PARISH, LA (5/4/2024) – The extremely low voter turnout in Rapides Parish during Saturday’s elections has alarmed residents and civic groups. Voter participation ranged from just 7.9% to 10% across several school tax and bond propositions.
These off-cycle elections, often scheduled in months with little public attention, have become a growing concern. Critics argue political elites and organized voter groups benefit when the general public is unaware or unprepared.
Saturday’s results reflected both the power and perils of low turnout. Although all propositions passed, they did so with razor-thin voter involvement. In Pineville School District No. 52, for instance, only 764 people voted.
Many residents expressed frustration online about the lack of public awareness.
“It’s annoying that there is no advance warning or media reports for this type of voting. I never knew it was a day to vote till late in the day,” said UrbanCast reader Makenzi R Barton Shreve.
Another voter, Heather Sibley Poe, echoed the sentiment: “The only reason we found out is because we saw the ‘Go Vote’ sign out at Pineville Jr. High. Otherwise we had no clue.”
Some blamed both traditional media and civic leaders for failing to promote these elections. “KALB makes sure to push measles, whooping cough, and flu every week but nada on voting,” added Lesley Arnold.
Others noted that while voter apathy is a concern, so is the lack of direct voter communication.
“It’s truly sad no one wants to vote on any issue, but want to complain nothing gets done or changes. If you want change, be the change!” commented Heather Marsh Fletcher.
Yet, not all agreed. Jennifer Melder Toms pointed out that information was available for those who actively searched. “I saw it numerous times… you have to monitor KALB, UrbanCast, RPSB, etc. on social media,” she wrote.
The Hidden Impact of Off-Cycle Elections
Election experts agree that off-cycle elections often lead to lower turnout. They tend to favor highly motivated groups and insiders who can more easily sway small electorates. Saturday’s extremely low voter turnout in Rapides Parish underscores this pattern.
How Voters Can Stay Informed
To avoid missing future elections, residents can:
• Bookmark sos.la.gov and check the Voter Portal.
• Follow digital media like UrbanCast and involvedinitall.com, which publishes election alerts.
• Sign up for parish or school board newsletters.
• Attend public meetings to stay ahead of election dates.
Key Upcoming Election Dates in Louisiana
• October 11, 2025 – Open Primary (statewide and local races)
• November 15, 2025 – Runoff, if needed
As Practicing Peace, another UrbanCast reader, said:
“It’s important for citizens to attend School Board and Town Council Meetings to stay informed.”
