Louisiana elections sign-up ends with surprises

Courtesy: Cam427r / CC BY SA 3.0
Courtesy: Cam427r / CC BY SA 3.0(KNOE)
Published: Jul. 20, 2018 at 7:27 PM CDT
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Louisiana's three-day registration period for the Nov. 6 election has ended, with some unexpected moments.

A congressional candidate was led out in handcuffs in the final hours of the sign-up period. And the interim secretary of state, who has repeatedly said he won't run in the special election for the job, changed his mind only 10 minutes before qualifying wrapped up Friday.

After Billy Burkette, an independent candidate, filled out his paperwork for the 5th District congressional race, East Baton Rouge Parish sheriff's deputies held him onsite, arrested him and led him out of the secretary of state's office in handcuffs for an outstanding warrant.

Moments later, Republican interim Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin announced he registered to run to hold onto the seat.

All of Louisiana's six U.S. House incumbents drew opponents for the ballot.