Groups Push New Orleans Voters to Polls
Community organizations are calling and canvassing voters across New Orleans as early voting in the 2026 midterms rises sharply from 2022.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Civic Engagement
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Volunteers with the nonprofit A Community Voice spent Monday night calling New Orleans voters from a spreadsheet estimated to include 10,000 names, while the group VOTE canvasses on Election Day. Early voting in New Orleans reached 48,684 in the 2026 midterms, compared with 28,835 in the 2022 midterms.
Why it matters
Early-voting totals show a sharp increase over the last midterm cycle, and statewide figures show a similar spike. Two Public Service Commission races are among the key contests, and that office regulates the power companies whose rates shape residents' electric bills.
New Orleans early voting reached 48,684 in the 2026 midterms, up from 28,835 in 2022. The available figures do not show final Election Day turnout or how many contacted voters ultimately cast ballots.
The players
A Community Voice
A New Orleans nonprofit organization that runs voter outreach and phone-banking efforts in the city.
VOTE (Voice Of The Experienced)
A New Orleans community group that organizes rallies and canvassing to turn out voters on Election Day.
Regional Transit Authority
The public transit agency serving the New Orleans region, which operates buses and streetcars across the metro area.
The details
Debra Campbell, chairperson of the nonprofit A Community Voice, led a team of four volunteers who called registered New Orleans voters on Monday night, November 2. VOTE is holding a rally at Dillard University Tuesday morning and will canvass and make calls throughout Election Day, while the Regional Transit Authority is offering free rides to help voters reach the polls. Voters still in line at 8 p.m. will be allowed to cast ballots.
Timeline
Monday, November 2, 2026: A Community Voice volunteers call New Orleans voters.
Tuesday, November 3, 2026, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.: Polls are open for Election Day voting.
Tuesday, November 3, 2026, 10:30 a.m.: VOTE rally at Dillard University.
Civic Context
New Orleans' early-voting surge tracks the statewide spike in Louisiana's 2026 midterms, showing the city's turnout rising alongside the state rather than diverging from it. The Public Service Commission races on the ballot give that turnout direct stakes for how electric bills are set.
Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, and voters still in line at 8 p.m. will be allowed to cast ballots. Free Regional Transit Authority rides are available Tuesday to help residents reach their polling places.
The takeaway
Turnout efforts in New Orleans are concentrated on the final day, so residents who have not yet voted should confirm their polling place and plan to vote before the 8 p.m. close. Free transit rides and volunteer outreach are available to help get people there.
Further reading
Explore more on Civic Engagement to see how local groups are shaping turnout across the region.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Fox8live.
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