While there have been numerous complaints about the “poor” turnout of 46% of voters for the mayoral runoff election, it might be instructive to point out that turnout was only 37.2% in the original election.  I was impressed by the recent turnout.  Most runoff elections poll many fewer voters than the original race.  It appears that the race was taken very seriously by the voters of Natchitoches and that far more were engaged than would be expected. I suspect that disappointment being expressed in the numbers is from the side whose candidate failed to win the day. That’s understandable.

Also, voting is not just a right.  It is a duty of all citizens, the same as service on a jury.  It is a right in the sense that no one can legally bar a citizen from voting, but it is more than a right.  A citizen has the right to practice their religion but there is no civic duty to do so.  It’s their option.  All citizens, however, are called on to participate in their government by voting.  Perhaps there should be a subpoena issued to all voters requiring their attendance on election days as there is for jury duty.  I don’t seriously suggest this but the duty to vote should be considered no less important or incumbent on all citizens.

Bill Shaw

Editors Note: The Natchitoches Parish Voters roll contains many voters who have not voted in Natchitoches Parish for years.  See Sample List Attached from the April 2024 Voter List maintained by the Secretary of State. If these voter records were properly PURGED, then the turnout percentage would show a much better picture.