By Staff Reports
Published: October 22, 2026
ALEXANDRIA — Early voting turnout in Rapides Parish surged through the close of Day 2, with 4,538 total ballots cast for the Nov. 3 election through Wednesday, Oct. 21, according to official statistical reports released by the Louisiana Secretary of State’s Office.
The cumulative two-day total reflects heavy voter engagement across the parish, led by 2,631 in-person ballots cast at designated early voting polling sites and 1,907 mail-in and absentee ballots processed into the system. An additional 87 voters received assistance at the polls (71 for physical disability, 16 for inability to read).
Two-Day Turnout Overview (Through Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026)
- Total Ballots Cast: 4,538
- In-Person Turnout: 2,631 (58.0%)
- Mail-In / Absentee Ballots: 1,907 (42.0%)
- UOCAVA (Military / Overseas): 10 (4 domestic, 6 overseas)
- Assisted Voters: 87
Turnout by Political Party
Republican voters maintain a modest lead in overall participation, closely followed by registered Democrats:
- Republican: 2,006 (44.2%)
- Democrat: 1,862 (41.0%)
- No Party / Independent: 655 (14.4%)
- Other Parties: 15 (0.3%)
Demographic Breakdown
Participation continues to show strong turnout among women and a substantial cross-section of the parish’s racial demographics:
By Race
- White: 3,022 (66.6%)
- Black: 1,398 (30.8%)
- Other Races: 118 (2.6%)
By Gender
- Female: 2,570 (56.6%)
- Male: 1,968 (43.4%)
Turnout Recap: Two-Day Cumulative Totals
The following table summarizes the cumulative voting figures officially logged for Rapides Parish through the conclusion of Day 2 (Oct. 21, 2026):
1. Ballot Method Recap
| Voting Method | Ballots Cast | Share of Total |
In-Person Voters (INPER) | 2,631 | 58.0% |
Mail-In / Absentee (ABS) | 1,907 | 42.0% |
| Total Ballots Cast | 4,538 | 100.0% |
2. Party Affiliation Recap
| Political Party | Total Registered Voters | Cumulative % |
| Republican | 2,006 | 44.2% |
| Democrat | 1,862 | 41.0% |
| No Party / Independent | 655 | 14.4% |
| Other Parties | 15 | 0.3% |
| Total | 4,538 | 100.0% |
3. Demographic Recap
| Demographic Category | Cumulative Count | Cumulative % |
| White | 3,022 | 66.6% |
| Black | 1,398 | 30.8% |
| Other Race | 118 | 2.6% |
| Female | 2,570 | 56.6% |
| Male | 1,968 | 43.4% |
Voting Information
Early voting runs daily from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (excluding Sunday, Oct. 25) through Tuesday, Oct. 27, at the Rapides Parish Registrar of Voters office. Voters must present a valid Louisiana driver’s license, a Louisiana special ID, a LA Wallet digital credential, or another approved government-issued photo ID to cast their ballot.