"So far, we’re in our third day of early voting, and we are record setting," he explained. "For example, in the last presidential election, which was a huge turnout, we averaged about 60,000 voters a day in early voting. We’re averaging over 80,000, so a substantial increase, almost 30 percent increase. If that continues I would anticipate probably a record voter turnout."
More US voters have been choosing an early option in recent election cycles, local media reports. CBS News estimated that up to 40% of voters may opt for early voting this year.
The state will not enhance law enforcement presence during the upcoming presidential election as it may discourage voters, Tom Schedler said.
"I try to prevent that because I think if you have too much law enforcement with people with guns, you somewhat deter. People come to exercise their right to vote, they don’t want to see someone there with a gun," Schedler said, adding that he would do it only as a last resort.
The state secretary went on, "We don’t believe in putting law enforcement at presence there because it implies there’s potential danger. We try to stay away from that."
When asked about security measures, Schedler noted that while they are not enhancing them, they have taken an extra vigilance.
"We feel our system is secure," he stated. "We don’t vote on the Internet. With all the concerns by the American public, that I think is overblown, we have certainly tripled down on our resources, and checks and balances."
At the same time, Louisiana does not permit any election observers this year due to the lack of human resources following the disastrous floods in Auguste, Tom Schedler stated.
"I turned down everybody because I just don’t have the manpower and the time to be able to deal with entertaining people to come in and observe. There was nothing personal in it," Schedler said on Thursday. "I turned down your government, and I turned down several others just for that reason. I’m not allowing any observers in Louisiana at this time."
Schedler explained that after the extensive flooding 65 precincts have moved, and they have 65,000 voters affected.
"One-third of my own employees went through flooding, I’m short-staffed," he added. "I don’t have the manpower and the time because I’m dealing with all these issues."
A federal disaster was declared in 20 parishes due to the extreme flooding, which began during severe storms on August 12. The flooding killed 13 people.
Early voting has been underway in Louisiana since October 25, and will last through November 1. The US presidential election is scheduled to take place on November 8.
