Locals travel to vote in Louisiana

MIAMI (WSVN) -- A group of Miami locals headed to New Orleans, but this is no vacation.

South Florida's Venezuelan community are set to voice their choice. They want Hugo Chavez out of power. "I want to vote for my country," said one woman. "He was given every opportunity to change the country. He didn't, and he needs to get out," said Jaime De La Pava.

Chavez has been in power for 13 years. The 58-year-old socialist leader has been battling cancer. In July, he announced he was cancer free. He is seeking another 6-year term.

His opponent is Henrique Capriles. In Venezuela, they are preparing for Sunday's elections.

Over 39,000 polling stations are being set up around the country. And over 300 stations will be set up in embassies and consulates around the world, including New Orleans.

This group is traveling approximately 16 hours, one way by bus to cast their vote. "We think, with the help of all the Venezuelans, and getting together and the unity, that it will make a difference," said De La Pava.

Chavez is trying to appeal to voters with his record on education, housing and health and living standards, but admits more needs to be done on bureaucracy and crime.

Capriles said he would root out corruption, and that is just part of the reason he has the votes of these South Floridians and their dedication. "What we are aiming for," said Juan Carlos Sanchez, "which is a new Venezuela, a Venezuela that we love, a Venezuela that we all want. A Venezuela that is going to have a new president."

There used to be a consulate in Miami, but it was shut down this year, forcing this trip for voting day.

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