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Venezuelans to vote for president in Louisiana

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Venezuelans to vote for president in LouisianaU.S. Congressman Mario Diaz Balart greets travelers on there way to New Orleans from Miami to vote in the Venezuelan election Saturday Oct. 6th, 2012. The Venezuelan government closed the down its consulate in Miami where the largest population of Venezuelans reside in the United States.(AP Photo/Jeffrey M. Boan)(Credit: AP)

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Venezuelans living in the U.S. are expected to stream into New Orleans to cast ballots in the South American nation’s presidential election.

With the country’s consulate in Miami closed, thousands of Venezuelans made arrangements to travel by bus, car and plane to cast their votes Sunday at the consulate in New Orleans.

Many spent hundreds of dollars and in some cases more than a day of their time to make the trip. But some, especially those who want to stop President Hugo Chavez from being re-elected after 13 years in power, say they were determined to make the journey.

Chavez faces a challenge from Henrique Capriles, a 40-year-old former state governor who has pledged solutions to crime, corruption and poorly run public services.

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