Venezuelans Flock To New Orleans To Vote In Country's Election
By: Staff
Updated: October 6, 2012
NEW ORLEANS -- Hundreds of Venezuelans living in Florida hit the road this weekend so they can vote.
They have to go to New Orleans to participate in their country's presidential election tomorrow. That's where the nearest Venezuelan consulate is.
Hugo Chavez closed the Miami location earlier this year after the United States expelled a diplomat accused of plotting against America.
"We Venezuelan people are going to vote in New Orleans because our government is making us travel 900 miles in order to go and exercise our right to vote," said organizer Juan Carlos Sanchez. "This is something that we're doing with pride. This is something that we're doing with all our strength."
Several groups have organized charter flights and buses to take voters to the polls. New Orleans officials say they expect about 20-thousand registered Venezuelan voters in the city.
They have to go to New Orleans to participate in their country's presidential election tomorrow. That's where the nearest Venezuelan consulate is.
Hugo Chavez closed the Miami location earlier this year after the United States expelled a diplomat accused of plotting against America.
"We Venezuelan people are going to vote in New Orleans because our government is making us travel 900 miles in order to go and exercise our right to vote," said organizer Juan Carlos Sanchez. "This is something that we're doing with pride. This is something that we're doing with all our strength."
Several groups have organized charter flights and buses to take voters to the polls. New Orleans officials say they expect about 20-thousand registered Venezuelan voters in the city.
