NEW ORLEANS -- A newly released poll from the University of New Orleans shows significant changes in the hotly contested Jefferson Parish Sheriff's race.
According to the poll, which had 617 randomly-picked respondents, the double-digit point lead Col. John Fortunato held over Sheriff Joe Lopinto is now gone. In early March, Fortunato led the polls by 16 points. Now, Lopinto leads by 3 points. UNO attributed the change to over half of the people who were undecided in early March had now changed their minds to support Lopinto.
While in early March Fortunato was supported by both males and females, UNO's poll says that has now changed in favor of Lopinto. They added that females are twice as likely than men in the late March poll to remain undecided.
In voter preference by age, at the beginning of March, Fortunato saw strong support in all age categories. However, in the latest polls shows a drop in support among younger voters for Fortunato. Also, in the 35 to 54 age group, many voters shifted their support to Lopinto. UNO added 95 percent of this age category said they made up their minds about who they are voting for.
In terms of voter race, UNO said in both polls six-in-ten black voters supported Fortunato. However, in the newest poll, black voters, who were undecided, now showed support for Lopinto.