Taylor Swift's tour in New Orleans prompts the state to add an early voting site

Louisiana's top election official is taking steps to ensure there is no “bad blood” as early voting logjams arise ahead of Taylor Swift's New Orleans concerts.

Over 150,000 Swift fans are expected to descend on the city this weekend for upcoming stops on the “Era's Tour,” causing road closures and traffic delays. The state is ensuring early voting goes smoothly by temporarily creating an alternative early voting site for certain counties in New Orleans.

Swift is scheduled to perform at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans' main business district on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings. According to StubHub, the cheapest tickets still available cost over $1,000 each.

Secretary of State Nancy Landry announced that a local community center in Orleans Parish would replace the regular polling place, New Orleans City Hall, because of expected gridlock from concertgoers. Early voting in the state began Oct. 18 and continues through Tuesday, Oct. 29. There will be no early voting on Sunday, October 27th.

“I would like to thank our hard-working Elections Department staff and Orleans Parish Chancellor of Elections, Dr. Sandra Wilson, and her staff for their help in securing this location to better serve New Orleans voters,” Landry said, citing the concerts as the main reason for the accommodation.

How do I vote in the 2024 election?: Your guide to polling locations, mailing deadlines and more in all 50 states

Attorney General Liz Murrill also warned Swifties on Wednesday about possible ticket scams and price gouging, reported the Shreveport Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. “I encourage everyone to do their homework and research before making a concert-related purchase this weekend.”

Indiana election officials are extending early voting hours in Marion County from Nov. 1-3 at the Indianapolis City-County Building when Swift performs at Lucas Oil Stadium. About a mile from the stadium, the early voting area is open until 10 p.m., giving voters an additional 4 to 5 hours to cast their ballot, depending on the day.

The Shreveport Times contributed to reporting on this story.

Victor Hagan is an Alabama Election Reporting Fellow for the USA TODAY Network. He can be reached at [email protected] or at X @TheVictorHagan. To support his work, subscribe to the Advertiser.

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