Political commentator Angel Carmell says Louisiana voters may have delivered more than a statewide election result last weekend, stating they may have revealed what future political organizing could look like heading into the next midterm elections.
“They are counting on us to be distracted,” Carmell said in an Instagram video reacting to Louisiana voters rejecting all five proposed constitutional amendments backed by Governor Jeff Landry. “And Louisiana just showed us what happens when we’re not.”
Carmell described the outcome as an example of “focused political power,” pointing to the nearly 800,000 voters who participated in Saturday’s election.
“All five of his constitutional amendments rejected, every single one,” she said. “That’s what focused political power looks like.”
The rejected amendments covered a wide range of issues, including teacher pay raises, civil service protections, judicial retirement rules, property tax policies and the creation of a separate school district in St. George.
One of the most closely watched proposals would have restructured education funding to provide permanent annual raises of $2,250 for teachers and $1,125 for school support staff. The amendment would have dissolved several education trust funds to finance the raises, but voters ultimately rejected the measure, leaving lawmakers searching for alternative funding options.
Another failed amendment would have transferred some authority over state civil service protections from an independent commission to the Louisiana Legislature. Critics argued the proposal could increase political influence over government employment decisions.
Carmell pointed out that the election results are proof that voters are increasingly paying attention to policy details instead of political distractions dominating online conversations.
“While the internet is debating on whether somebody has a degree or what a dress code should be, real policy is on the ballot and real people went to the polls and handled business,” she said.
She also pointed to the defeat of incumbent Senator Bill Cassidy in Louisiana’s primary election, calling it another sign that voters are becoming more engaged and informed.
“The people are paying attention y’all,” Carmell said. “This is what happens when we stay focused, when we do our research, when we show up informed and we show up together.”
The commentator used the moment to encourage greater civic participation ahead of upcoming national elections, urging creators and influencers to help educate voters about registration deadlines, ballot measures and candidates.
“The midterms are coming and I need every creator with a platform to understand this is our assignment,” she said.
Carmell encouraged voters to use resources like Vote.org to check registration information, review ballot measures and stay informed ahead of future elections.
With all five constitutional amendments defeated, Louisiana lawmakers are now expected to revisit several of the proposals through revised legislation or future ballot initiatives.
