Louisiana's election expenses are running over-budget.
BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - Louisiana's election expenses are running over-budget.
According to an update from the Legislature's fiscal analysts, the Secretary of State's Office received a $2.7 million budget to pay for elections this year. But the Legislative Fiscal Office says the secretary of state's expenses are estimated to double that, reaching $5.4 million.
The increase is tied to more local elections than previously expected, along with a special election for the 5th District congressional seat representing northeast and central Louisiana. Rodney Alexander resigned from Congress to work in Gov. Bobby Jindal's administration.
The elections budget each year often is underestimated, with lawmakers and the governor's office having to add dollars midyear, as new elections are added to the calendar.
No word yet on a funding plan to fill this year's shortfall.