Letters to the Editor
educator
Published Letters: 2 Editor's Choice: 1
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Response re "Whitewashing"
[Read the article: Whitewashing the New Orleans vote?]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]The author suggests that more African-Americans were affected by Katrina than were white residents of New Orleans. True -- for the simple reason that the pre-Katrina population of New Orleans was heavily African-American. However, blacks have not suffered in greater proportion.
Neighborhoods "ravaged" by Katrina include Lakeview, which was almost exclusively white. Additionally, the article rests on the premise that most evacuees are out of state. Many are, but the majority are resident (temporarily, I hope) within other areas of Louisiana where voting stations have been provided.
Yes, some voting places are inappropriate. Yes, the eletion will be difficult. But the alternative of waiting until conditions are perfect is not plausible. Many New Orleanians (white and black) are bewildered by the (often external) concerns re voting. The problems associated with absentee voting and/or traveling to a polling place pale in comparison with the problems associated with the storm.
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New Orleans
[Read the article: Whitewashing the New Orleans vote?]
[Read more letters about this article: Here]Perhaps readers still following this story will want to have an early report regarding the election. I just returned from voting at a local school which was hosting a large number of precincts. Various workers from many units of government (inside and outside of New Orleans) were on hand to help. There was little confusion, but much enthusiasm. Turnout (by 8:30 AM) seemed high in light of the number of displaced residents due to damage in my neighborhood. There were no complaints about process, travel time, personal disruptions, etc. In other words, the election was proceeding well.
Immediately after my own voting experience, I visited another polling place which hosted multiple precincts -- mostly from African-American sections of the city. Turnout is high, spirits are good and I heard NO complaints re the process.