Calcasieu officials proclaim coroner vacancy after resignation, set special-election dates

Calcasieu Parish officials on July 17 proclaimed a vacancy in the office of the parish coroner following a resignation letter and voted to call special-election dates to fill the unexpired term.

The action follows a July 2 notice from the Secretary of State that Dr. Terry Wilkie will retire effective at noon on Monday, Aug. 11, 2025, leaving a vacancy in the coroner’s office. Parish staff said state guidance for an unexpired term of less than one year sets the timeline the body must follow.

At the meeting, staff member Bolin described the timeline and the required steps after the Secretary of State notice. The governing body then read a proclamation declaring the vacancy effective Aug. 11, 2025, and set a primary election for April 18, 2026, and a general election for May 30, 2026. The motion to adopt the proclamation and call the election was moved by Andrew Punt and seconded by Mr. Abshire; members raised no objections and the motion passed. Clerk Miss Wallace asked that the record reflect her recusal on the two items under consideration.

The meeting record shows the resignation notice was received July 2 and that the governing body’s role at the July 17 meeting was limited to initiating the statutory process for filling the unexpired coroner’s term. No additional discussion of candidates, appointment alternatives, or administrative details about ballots or election administration was recorded at the meeting.

Next steps were not detailed at the meeting beyond the proclamation and call for election; the transcript does not record a roll-call tally of votes or any staff assignments for election logistics.