New registrar is sworn in

Published 6:00 am Tuesday, December 5, 2017

Kristie Blanchard was sworn in as Iberia Parish’s new registrar of voters Monday morning at the Iberia Parish Courthouse.

Blanchard, along with chief deputy Frankie Rideaux and other office employees, said an oath of office while Judge Keith Comeaux read the oath of office.

The New Iberia native was appointed to the registrar’s office by the Iberia Parish Council after several candidates vying for the job were interviewed. Besides Blanchard, five other candidates put in an application for the position and were interviewed by IPC members in executive session.

Blanchard worked for 18 years in the Iberia Clerk of Court’s Office, followed by eight years in the Iberia Registrar of Voter’s Office. She also worked for three years as deputy registrar in the St. Martin Parish Registrar of Voter’s Office.

Also sworn in Monday was Frankie Rideaux as chief deputy for the Registrar’s Office. Rideaux served as interim registrar during the transition process and oversaw the Nov. 18 election.

Other employees sworn in included Sharell Beasley and Gipsy Dressel.

Blanchard began her first day on the job after the swearing in. The transition process has been fairly normal, she said.

“It’s been quiet,” Blanchard said. “I’ve worked with everyone in the office, so the vibes have been good.”

Blanchard is replacing Registrar Mildred Adams, who retired in October after more than 30 years in office. Adams said she was retiring to spend more time with her family.

After the swearing, a reception was held in the registrar office of the first floor of the courthouse.

“I’m ready to get to work,” Blanchard said.