Gavin Howe
Louisiana's voting laws are unique in several ways. For instance, the state has its own election code, which includes provisions for permanent voter registration and the conduct of all elections. Louisiana also has specific requirements for voter identification and absentee/mail-in voting. In addition, the state's voting laws have been the subject of recent legal challenges, with the Supreme Court considering the constitutionality of redistricting practices aimed at protecting the voting power of racial minorities. Louisiana's voting laws also provide for the protection of certain personal information, such as email addresses and social security numbers, for military and overseas voters.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Voter registration | In-person or by mail at least 30 days before Election Day |
| Voter identification | Documentary proof of US citizenship, residency, and age (at least 18 years old) |
| Early voting | Available, with specific provisions for military and overseas voters |
| Absentee voting | Available, with ballots cast electronically, by mail, or by fax |
| Ballot format | Secret |
| Proxy voting | Prohibited |
| Redistricting | Pending Supreme Court case on the constitutionality of majority-minority districts |
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What You'll Learn
Louisiana's voter registration process
The first step to voting in Louisiana is to check if you are eligible. You must be a United States citizen and a resident of Louisiana. You need to be at least 16 years old to pre-register and 18 years old to vote in an election. You must also not be under a current felony conviction or adjudication of mental incompetence.
The state offers an online voter registration system, making the process convenient and accessible. You can register to vote online at the GeauxVote Online Registration website, operated by the Louisiana Secretary of State. This website allows you to register to vote, check your registration status, and update your information if you move or change your name. You will need to provide some personal information, including your date of birth, Social Security number, and Louisiana driver's license or special ID card number.
If you prefer, you can also register to vote in person or by mail. You can obtain a mail-in registration form from your local registrar of voters, public assistance agencies, motor vehicle offices, and public libraries. The completed form must be mailed or delivered to your parish's Registrar of Voters Office. You can also register to vote in person at these offices or when you renew your driver's license at the Office of Motor Vehicles.
It is important to keep your voter registration information up to date, especially if you move or change your name. You can update your information using the same methods as registering to vote. Additionally, Louisiana allows for online updates through the GeauxVote Online Registration system.
Finally, be mindful of registration deadlines. You must register to vote at least 20 days before an Election Day to be eligible to cast a ballot in that particular election. Louisiana also offers early voting, which begins 14 days before an election and ends seven days before Election Day. During this period, you can vote in person at your parish's designated early voting location.
By understanding the voter registration process and staying informed about key dates and requirements, you can ensure that you are ready to participate in Louisiana's unique voting system and have your voice heard in elections.
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Voting integrity and compliance
Louisiana's Election Code provides for the integrity of the state's elections and compliance with the law. This includes the permanent registration of voters and the conduct of all elections.
Voter Registration
Voter registration in Louisiana can be completed via mail or in person, and it must be done at least 30 days before Election Day. To register, individuals must provide proof of US citizenship and residency in the state and parish where they are registering. They must also be at least 18 years old by Election Day. Louisiana also offers online voter registration.
Voting Methods
Voting in Louisiana can be done in person or by absentee ballot. For in-person voting, individuals must present a valid form of identification, such as a driver's license, Louisiana Special ID, or another generally recognized picture ID containing their name and signature. Those without these forms of ID may still cast their vote by signing a voter affidavit. Absentee voting is available for those who will be out of the voting precinct on Election Day, as well as for military and overseas voters.
Ballot Security
Louisiana law ensures the security of ballots by requiring secret ballots and prohibiting proxy voting. Ballots are to be counted publicly and preserved until any election contests are settled. Additionally, during the voting process and while travelling to and from the polling place, voters are privileged from arrest, except in cases of felony or breach of the peace.
Voter Assistance
Louisiana provides assistance to voters with physical disabilities or those who are unable to write in English. These voters can receive help in executing their ballots and are also allowed to change their registration information to accommodate their needs.
Election Compliance
The Elections Compliance Unit is responsible for addressing any complaints or violations of the election code. Voters can report issues to this unit by calling 800-722-5305.
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Absentee and mail-in voting
In Louisiana, absentee voting by mail is available to certain individuals who qualify. These include those who are students, teachers, active members of the armed services, or spouses/dependents of the aforementioned, and are located and living outside of their parish of registration. Additionally, those aged 65 or older, as well as individuals residing outside of the United States, are also eligible to vote absentee by mail.
To request an absentee ballot in Louisiana, one must submit an application to their Local Election Office. The official deadline to request a ballot for an election is 5 days before the election by 4:30 pm, although it is recommended to do so earlier to allow sufficient time for completion and return. The application can be mailed or hand-delivered, and in certain cases, faxed or emailed.
Once the ballot is received, the voter must carefully follow the instructions. This includes completing the affidavit on the ballot envelope, providing the "date of election" and their "mother's maiden name," as well as having a witness sign the designated section. The voted ballot is then mailed back to the address indicated on the return envelope.
For mailed ballots, the envelope sent to the voter contains ballot envelopes, the required number of certificates, and a return envelope. The return envelope includes the official title and mailing address of the registrar, as well as the voter's name, return address, and precinct or district number.
Louisiana also has provisions to facilitate voting for members of the United States Service and persons residing outside the country. According to the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act, the secretary of state, as the chief election officer, must take the necessary actions to enable these individuals to vote by mail, facsimile, or other means of ballot transmission.
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Redistricting and racial gerrymandering
Louisiana's congressional map, which includes two majority-black districts out of six total seats, has been at the centre of a case that could significantly narrow the scope of the Voting Rights Act and reshape redistricting nationwide. The case involves two related but distinct concepts: racial vote dilution and racial gerrymandering.
In 2020, following the census, Louisiana drew a congressional map with six districts. Black voters made up a majority in only one of those districts, despite constituting about one-third of the state's voters. Black voters in Louisiana brought a claim arguing that this map violated Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act (VRA), which forbids any state or locality from using any “standard, practice, or procedure” that “results in a denial or abridgment of the right of any citizen of the United States to vote on account of race or color”. The federal court ruled in their favour, stating that the map "diluted" black voting power.
Louisiana's Republican-controlled legislature then drew a new map, which was also challenged in court. Twelve "non-African American" voters sued, accusing Louisiana of discriminating against them by racially gerrymandering the new map. They argued that the state's new map primarily used race to pack Black voters into the oddly shaped 6th district, providing Black voters with the opportunity to elect candidates of their choosing. According to this argument, because race was the primary factor in redistricting, strict scrutiny should apply, and the Court should strike down the maps.
Louisiana, however, argued that it had a compelling reason to draw the new maps based on race. They cited the 2017 case Cooper v. Harris, in which the Supreme Court affirmed that complying with the VRA is a compelling reason to use race as the top factor in redistricting. Louisiana claimed that a federal court had told them their original maps were likely a violation of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, and so they had "good reasons" for drawing the new maps based on race.
The Supreme Court's eventual ruling on this case could have significant implications for voting rights and democracy. If the Court strikes down race-based redistricting, it would change how the Voting Rights Act works and could ensure that future elections are won on ideas and values, rather than racial manipulation.
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Voter identification requirements
Louisiana's voter identification requirements include the need to provide documentary proof of US citizenship and residency in the state and parish where voters are registered. Voters must also be at least 18 years old by election day. Registration must be completed at least 30 days before the election, either by mail or in person.
Voters without a driver's license, Louisiana Special ID, or other generally recognised picture ID containing their name and signature, may still cast their vote by signing a voter affidavit. All registered voters may obtain a free Louisiana special identification card by presenting a voter information card to the Office of Motor Vehicles.
Louisiana also has provisions for military and overseas voting, allowing ballots to be received electronically, by mail, or by fax. The state provides protection from the disclosure of electronic mail addresses, along with social security numbers, driver's license numbers, dates of birth, and mothers' maiden names.
Voters must be registered at least 20 days before an election to be eligible to vote.
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Frequently asked questions
To vote in Louisiana, one must provide documentary proof of US citizenship, be a resident of the state and parish in which they are registering, and be at least 18 years old by election day. Registration must be completed at least 30 days before the election, either in person or by mail.
Louisiana requires a generally recognised picture ID that contains your name and signature. If you do not have a driver's license, Louisiana Special ID, or similar, you may still cast your vote by signing a voter affidavit.
Yes, online registration is available. Voters must register at least 20 days prior to the election.
Absentee ballots must be received by your parish registrar of voters by 4:30 pm CST on the day before election day. Military, overseas, or hospitalised voters' ballots must be received by 8 pm.
Louisiana's voting laws have been the subject of legal debate, with a focus on redistricting and the protection of minority voting rights. A landmark ruling in 2013 struck down a provision that determined which jurisdictions needed federal permission to change their voting laws.
