Thursday was a historic day for Iberia Parish as a second early voting location was added in Jeanerette as early voting starts proper this weekend.

The location, which is at Jeanerette City Hall, was a collaboration between town, parish and state officials who all supported adding the location to make easier access for local residents.

“This is certainly a historic time for our community and parish,” Mayor Carol Bourgeois Jr. said at Thursday’s ribbon cutting. “We know one of the most cherished and precious rights we have is the right to vote. When we can help facilitate that right and give our constituents an opportunity to exercise that right, we’re certainly happy to do it.”

The initiative began with Iberia Parish Councilwoman Lady Brown, who has been fighting for the new location for several years. With the support of the council, Parish President Larry Richard and Iberia Clerk of Court the process finally came to a conclusion with the start of this fall’s early voting season.

“The city has been so excited about this because this is something we’ve been fighting for years,” Brown said.

Also in attendance for the event was Louisiana Secretary of State Nancy Landry, who said that the enthusiasm of the community and local government was crucial to the success of the new location.

“We have criteria to establish early voting centers,” Landry said. “We look at the support of the local community and the willingness of the local governing authorities to support the site, so I want to thank everyone here for the support of this early voting site.”

Early voting for the upcoming presidential election starts Oct. 18 and ends Oct. 29. Those wishing to vote early can do so at the Iberia Parish Courthouse or Jeanerette City Hall.