Evacuees can vote in New Orleans races

Utah's top elections official wants hurricane evacuees to be sure they are eligible to vote in upcoming New Orleans elections.

Lt. Gov. Gary Herbert issued a statement Wednesday urging Hurricane Katrina and Rita evacuees temporarily living in Utah to contact the Louisiana secretary of state "immediately" so they can participate in the upcoming Orleans Parish elections. Elections postponed after the hurricanes will be held April 22 and May 20.

Evacuees registered to vote in Louisiana are still eligible to vote in their home parishes as long as they have not registered to vote in Utah or elsewhere. They have three voting options: by mailed absentee ballot, in person at the Registrar of Voters' office six to 12 days before the election or in person at the polling place on Election Day.

Louisiana Secretary of State Al Ater's office can be reached by calling 1-800-883-2805 or visiting www.sos.louisiana.gov.