IWO Issues Endorsements for October 9 Elections
For Immediate Release
Contact: Demetric Mercadel
dmercad@icloud.com
504-913-6451
Monday, August 2, 2021
NEW ORLEANS, LA - The Independent Women’s Organization (IWO) issued several key endorsements for the upcoming open primary elections on October 9, 2021. Due to the large number of races and candidates on the ballot, the remaining endorsements - for the New Orleans City Council races -will be made on August 7.
The members of IWO endorsed the following candidates:
Louisiana House of Representatives District 102: Delisha Boyd
Mayor of New Orleans: LaToya Cantrell
Clerk, Orleans Parish Criminal District court: Darren Lombard
Orleans Parish Sheriff: Dual endorsement, Marlin Gusman and Susan Hutson
Orleans Parish Assessor: Erroll Williams
Ahead of the endorsement meeting, IWO members invited all Democratic candidates to speak at a virtual forum open to the general public, at which candidates answered questions from IWO members about their plans for these important positions.
The forum is available for public viewing on IWO’s Facebook page:
IWO Candidate Forum #1 (facebook.com)
At Saturday’s member only endorsement meeting, IWO members engaged in vigorous discussion about each of the candidates before casting their votes for the organization’s endorsements.
IWO President Mary Griggs highlighted the importance of these races and the engagement of IWO members: "The Independent Women's Organization was proud to offer our members and the public the chance to hear from candidates on issues with profound impact on the quality of life in our area.” Griggs said. "IWO’s endorsements come after much discussion among our members and require a candidate to earn 60% of the vote of the membership to be endorsed.”
Vice President Lisa Ray Diggs continued: "IWO, as an independent organization not controlled by outside groups, plays a crucial role in helping the community learn about the candidates and how they will serve the needs of families and enhance public safety and economic security," Diggs said.
Endorsement Committee Chair Demetric Mercadel thanked committee members, membership, and all members of the public who viewed the forums via Facebook Live for their participation. "Virtual public forums have allowed IWO to reach the general public so all voters can become more informed about the choices they will have on the ballot later this year. Our members worked hard to engage the candidates and to consider their credentials as we made our endorsements.”
President Mary Griggs, in congratulating the endorsed candidates, stressed the need for engagement and participation in the upcoming elections. “IWO offers our congratulations to these candidates who carry our endorsement. We hope that our independent endorsement will help voters make their own decisions as they prepare to chart the course of our region for the next four years.”
IWO’s next candidate forums for the upcoming City Council races will be held on August 4 and 5, 2021 at 6:00 pm each evening, and will be available to the public live on IWO’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/IWONewOrleansLA/. The next member only endorsement meeting will be held on August 7 at 10am.
Early voting for the October 9, 2021 election will be September 25 through October 2 (excluding Sunday, September 26) from 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Voters in New Orleans may vote at New Orleans City Hall, Algiers Courthouse, Lake Vista Community Center, and the Voter Machine Warehouse on Chef Menteur Highway.
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