NEW ORLEANS - With less than 24 hours before a major election in New Orleans, the city's neutral ground would normally be littered with campaign signs.
That is not the case leading up to Saturday's primary.
"You see a lot of who dat signs, but you don't see a lot of Landrieu or Georges or Henry or other signs," said WWL-TV Political Analyst Clancy DuBos. "I think it's a sign of the times."
A sign of the times that voters just aren't into this election which includes important races for mayor and city council.
"Everybody's buzzing about the Saints," said DuBos. "That's understandable. We're going to have a mayoral election again in 4 years, but we waited 43 years for the Saints to get to the Super Bowl."
Dubos says the fact voters are not focusing on the election, benefits the front-runners.
"Because it means that people probably aren't changing the minds," said DuBos. "They're going to vote. I don't think turnout will be adversely effected. But, I think you won't see a lot of last minute changing among the voters. I think the minds were made up two weeks ago. Once the Saints got in the Super Bowl, people figured well I know who I'm voting for, let me focus on the Saints."
Meanwhile, election officials spent the day preparing for the races. They expect all of the voting machines and commissioners to be in place before 6 a.m. when the polls open.
They recommend voters check out a sample ballots before heading into the voting booth.
"Each precinct is supplied with a sample ballot," said election supervisor Jeanine Aubry. "They post it right outside the precinct or in the building. We suggest that people take a look at it. Make some choices before they go in. They are limited to within three minutes in the voting machine."
Even with all the distractions, turnout is still expected to be in the 40 to 50 percent range.
According to the Orleans Clerk of Courts Office, there are a couple of last minute changes in polling places.
The firehouse in the 2500 block of General DeGaulle in Algiers is being renovated.
So Ward 15, Precinct 13a voters will now cast ballots at the Pearly Ellioe Head Start building at 3029 Wall Boulevard.
In Uptown, Ward 14, Precinct 13a, those who normally vote at Tulane's University Center will now vote at the Holy Name of Jesus School at 6325 Cromwell Place.
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