New Orleans declares Election Day an official city holiday to encourage voting
NEW ORLEANS, Louisiana — Mayor Helena Moreno, in collaboration with the New Orleans City Council, has established Election Day, Tuesday, November 3, 2026, as a city holiday in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, Louisiana, to encourage residents and city employees to exercise their right to vote.
"For years, I've worked to sustain and protect the right to vote; from opening the Smoothie King Center for early voting during COVID, to passing the original law to make Election Day a city holiday, to fighting to protect access to mail-in ballots," Moreno said. "I'm proud to stand together with the City Council to make November 3rd a day to celebrate our right to vote and expand access to the ballot for all."
"No one should have to choose between their job and their right to vote," said Council President JP Morrell. Council Vice President Matthew Willard said recognizing Election Day as a holiday helps remove a barrier to voting, and Councilmember Aimee McCarron said closing City Hall on Election Day gives employees and residents the opportunity to participate. City employees can also take advantage of early voting at City Hall from October 20 through October 27. This year's ballot in New Orleans includes races for U.S. Senator, U.S. Representative and judges, among others.
Source: GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 新奥尔良杰克逊广场。图片：Diego Delso，CC BY-SA 3.0，经Wikimedia Commons。 / Jackson Square in New Orleans. Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
