NEW ORLEANS – Many New Orleans (search) voters were unable to cast ballots for hours Saturday on a constitutional amendment to ban gay marriage because voting machines had not been delivered to polling places, a state official said.
At least 59 precincts did not have voting machines when polls opened at 6 a.m. because delivery truck drivers apparently didn't show up for work, said Scott Madere, a spokesman for Secretary of State Fox McKeithen (search).
Workers in McKeithen's office, including McKeithen, delivered the machines from a warehouse by noon, Madere said. He said New Orleans was the only city to experience the problem. It wasn't clear how many voters were affected.
Attorney General Charles Foti (search) planned to investigate. "We will review what happened and take whatever steps are necessary to make sure it doesn't happen again," he said.
Voters around Louisiana cast ballots Saturday on an amendment to the state constitution that would ban gay marriage. New Orleans voters were also voting in local races.
The election problems could lead to challenges of election results, particularly of the proposed gay marriage ban.
"I'm sure there will be lawsuits filed," McKeithen said.
Madere said inconvenienced voters would be allowed to vote after polling places officially close at 8 p.m. if they are in line at that time.
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