Louisiana will delay presidential primary due to coronavirus

Washington CNN — Louisiana will delay its presidential primary next month because of the coronavirus outbreak. John Bel Edwards said Friday he would sign an executive order later that day that would postpone the state’s upcoming elections, including its presidential primary. Christina Stephens, Edwards’ deputy chief of staff, told CNN in an email thatEdwards and Ardoin began discussing delaying the primary several days ago “out of concern for the aging population of poll workers and a desire to prevent the spread of illness.” Ardoin said the secretary of state’s office has used this provision to request delays of elections before, including after hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005, and after hurricanes Gustav and Ike in 2008. The chair of the Louisiana Democratic Party, Karen Carter Peterson, said the Party wanted to ensure that “every Louisianan has the chance to make their voice heard in this election.” “We are hopeful the Democratic National Committee will work with us to revise our Delegate Selection Plan to make sure our state is fully represented in this year’s nominating contest. “As election officials working with public health officials are demonstrating throughout the country, our elections can be conducted safely in consultation with public health officials,” Biden communications director Kate Bedingfield said in a statement.