Thousands of Venezuelan citizens living in the southern United States are heading to Kenner this weekend. They’ll be casting ballots in their country’s presidential election.
Thousands came to the New Orleans Convention Center in October to vote in the contest between then-President Hugo Chavez and his challenger, Henrique Capriles. Chavez’ death last month has Capriles running against the late president’s successor, Vice President Nicolas Maduro. In October, Capriles took 98 percent of the votes cast locally.
The vast majority of Venezuelans living in the United States reside in the Miami area, but Chavez closed the consulate there last year over a political dispute involving Iran. The New Orleans office now handles voting for Venezuelans living in Louisiana, Florida and seven other southern states.
Ballots will be cast this time at the Pontchartrain Center on Sunday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
