Louisiana Is First State To Delay Primary Over Virus

The Baton Rouge Advocate reports:

The presidential primary elections in Louisiana slated for April will be delayed by two months, the latest in a series of dramatic steps government leaders have taken to slow the spread of the new coronavirus. Sec. of State Kyle Ardoin was set to announce the delay at 11:30 a.m. Friday, using a provision of state law that allows him to move any election in an emergency situation.

Gov. John Bel Edwards’ administration confirmed the governor [photo] will grant the delay Friday. Christina Stephens, an Edwards spokeswoman, said it’s an “extraordinary measure but one we feel is prudent.” The state’s closed presidential primaries, in which voters registered with a party can select their preferred nominee for president, were originally set for April 4. The new date is June 20th.

Louisiana primary rescheduled for June 20. This will probably not be the only postponement. https://t.co/XhlESObxUS

— Nate Silver (@NateSilver538) March 13, 2020

BREAKING: Louisiana will postpone next month’s Presidential Preference Primary due to coronavirus concerns.

— WAFB (@WAFB) March 13, 2020