TOM SCHEDLER ?ecretarg [If $131132 FEO. Box 94 I 25 BATON ROUGE. LA 70804-9 25 OF STATE ?atatc of "?ourstana May 1,2018 The Honorable John Bel Edwards Governor State Capitol, 4?h Floor Baton Rouge, LA 70802 Dear Governor Edwards: Since the moment I became Secretary of State in 2010, I have given everything I have to ful?lling the duties of this unique office. I felt at home being elected Secretary of State because it requires a non-partisan approach and a collaborative philosophy to execute its most basic foundational duties: elections, commercial ?lings. archives and museums. This has been, and will probably remain. the most important work of my life. With the support and hard work of a dedicated staff I have been able to achieve a level of integrity for our of?ce that many never thought possible. Louisiana?s reputation for fair, honest. consistent and reliable elections is recognized across our great nation and our citizens should be proud of our work. From implementing online voter registration and protecting private voter data to reducing the number of elections to save precious tax dollars, the Secretary of State?s Of?ce has time-and-time again done the right thing. It is now time for me to make a dif?cult choice in the best interest of my family, my staff and the citizens of this state. Effective Tuesday, May 8, 2018, I will resign as Louisiana Secretary of State. I leave the of?ce knowing it is in the capable hands of my First Assistant. Kyle Ardoin, who knows the organization intimately and can, with my departure focus on the incredibly important short?term goals of selecting new voting equipment as well as perfecting the Mid-Term Congressional Elections this fall without distraction. However, I leave of?ce with a heavy heart knowing I have disappointed the people in my life who care for me the most. But I also have experienced from them the miraculous power of forgiveness and grace during the twilight of my career, and for that I am grateful. I have been incredibly frustrated with the tabloid approach to an incredibly serious allegation and the necessity of following the advice of counsel to not try this publicly. I trust the judicial process will fairly consider all the facts when they can be properly presented in due time. The Honorable John Bel Edwards May 1, 2018 Page 2 I take away from this experience many precious memories that will sustain me. and only ask that the of?ce continue their focus on customer service and transparency so that legacy remains in place for many years to come. 'ncerely, Schedler uisiana Secretary of State TSIdnn SWORN AND SUBSCRIBED BEFORE ME THIS FIRST DAY OF MAY, 2018 Lani B. Durio Bar Roll No. 31631