Saturday’s local elections across Central Louisiana highlighted a troubling civic trend: extremely low participation. According to the Louisiana Secretary of State’s Office, turnout in some areas dropped below 3 percent, leaving a small fraction of eligible voters to decide local leadership and long-term tax measures.
Rapides Parish: Dozens Decide Town Leadership
In Cheneyville, only 66 voters out of roughly 324 registered participated (20.4 percent turnout), electing Shelia Hayward Brown (D) with 83 percent of the vote.
In Glenmora, 173 of about 861 eligible voters cast ballots (20.1 percent turnout), electing Matt Roland Cloud (R) with 72 percent.
These small numbers mean that fewer than 250 residents collectively determined the leadership of two municipalities.
LaSalle Parish: Fewer Than 9,000 Registered, 1,300 Votes Cast
Turnout across LaSalle Parish averaged 15.5 percent, with around 8,700 registered voters eligible to weigh in. Roughly 1,350 ballots were cast on each of three parishwide propositions, all of which passed.
The renewals, including a 6.5 mill and 2.21 mill property tax, will continue funding parish services and local schools for another decade. These decisions, made by just one in six voters, shape the parish’s financial priorities through 2035.
Natchitoches Parish: One in Eight Voters Cast Ballots
In Natchitoches Parish, a 1 mill, 10-year property tax renewal was defeated with only 2,871 ballots cast out of an estimated 23,150 registered voters (12.4 percent turnout). Roughly three-quarters of voters rejected the renewal, ending a funding source that had supported local services.
Vernon Parish: Some Races See Just 2 Percent Turnout
Vernon Parish reported some of the lowest participation in the state. Turnout ranged from 2.3 percent to 12.9 percent depending on the school district.
Hornbeck District No. 143: 131 votes from 1,701 eligible voters (7.7 percent)
Ward 3 District No. 160: 180 votes from 1,748 eligible voters (10.3 percent)
Ward 6 District No. 161: 115 votes from 892 eligible voters (12.9 percent)
Ward 7 District No. 167: 92 votes from 4,000 eligible voters (2.3 percent)
Ward 8 District No. 151: 103 votes from 1,241 eligible voters (8.3 percent)
Every one of those tax renewals passed, even the one where fewer than 100 people decided on a 10-year school funding measure affecting thousands.
Small Numbers, Long-Term Impact
Across these four parishes, an estimated 60,000 registered voters had the opportunity to participate, yet only a few thousand did. These decisions, often involving 10-year property taxes and community funding, will shape local schools, infrastructure, and services well into the next decade.
When so few participate, a small group effectively determines policies that impact everyone. Civic leaders warn that declining participation erodes representation and accountability at every level of local government.
How to Get Involved
Residents are encouraged to register, check their voter status, or update their information before upcoming elections. Registration is fast and accessible through the Louisiana Voter Portal at https://voterportal.sos.la.gov.
Engagement starts locally. Whether it’s a millage renewal or a town council seat, these votes decide how tax dollars are spent and how communities grow. Your voice matters, especially when so few are using theirs.
UrbanCast News will continue covering civic engagement across Central Louisiana, encouraging every eligible voter to take part in shaping the region’s future.
