Secretary of State Tom Schedler trying to increase voter turnout
Posted:
Updated:
By Victoria Shirley
MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News)- Louisiana's Secretary of State Tom Schedler wants to get the word out to the public about what his office does because he wears many hats.
His office is in charge of everything from state archives, elections, to state museums and notaries. But for him, one responsibility rises above the rest. "The most important one of all is chief elections office." said Schedler.
For Schedler, he takes pride in the fact that 84 percent of Louisianans are registered to vote, but not enough of those people are exercising their right.
"That's a great statistic to spin out but what's dismal is the voter turnout." said Schedler and the Secretary of State hopes he can change that, with some new and unconventional ideas.
"I've tried everything in the book to try and encourage people but my latest, is to almost embarrass people to go out and vote" said Schedler. He's starting a program, where people can vote in honor of a veteran or serviceman. It's a way to remind voters that those who served laid their life on the line to allow them their right. "We're trying to unveil it before the presidential election." said Schedler and also hopes to reach younger voters with a new mobile phone app, a first of it's kind in the United States.
"You put your name in it and it will show you exactly how to vote, a gps map directly to your precinct, and lastly you can get your ballot individually if there is something different, so you can review and minimize your time." said Schedler.
Because November's election day will land on a Tuesday, Schedler urges people to use the early voting process.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 2:01 PM EDT2013-06-18 18:01:27 GMT
MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - Monroe Police and Ouachita Parish Deputies continue to investigate multiple shootings, a murder and a weekend stabbing in the parish.
MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - Monroe Police and Ouachita Parish Deputies continue to investigate multiple shootings, a murder and a weekend stabbing in the parish.
Monday, June 17 2013 7:20 PM EDT2013-06-17 23:20:46 GMT
DELHI, La. (KNOE 8 News) - Many expectant mothers make detailed plans of where and how they want to give birth, but sometimes even the most strategic planning, doesn't go as expected.
DELHI, La. (KNOE 8 News) - Many expectant mothers make detailed plans of where and how they want to give birth, but sometimes even the most strategic planning, doesn't go as expected.
Monday, June 17 2013 8:51 AM EDT2013-06-17 12:51:48 GMT
CARENCRO, La. (KNOE 8 News/AP) - Lafayette Parish sheriff's deputies are investigating the death of a 3-year-old boy found in his grandparents' swimming pool.
CARENCRO, La. (KNOE 8 News/AP) - Lafayette Parish sheriff's deputies are investigating the death of a 3-year-old boy found in his grandparents' swimming pool.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 1:23 PM EDT2013-06-18 17:23:16 GMT
MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - The Monroe City School System spends nearly two times what the closest comparable school district does on central office expenses.
MONROE, La. (KNOE 8 News) - The Monroe City School System spends nearly two times what the closest comparable school district does on central office expenses.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 9:17 AM EDT2013-06-18 13:17:15 GMT
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says all facilities at DeGray Lake and at Lake Greeson in southwest Arkansas have been reopened.
LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers says all facilities at DeGray Lake and at Lake Greeson in southwest Arkansas have been reopened.
