Louisiana Primary Election
Last update: Sep 20, 2023 01:02 a.m. EDT
Last update: Sep 16, 2023 05:03 a.m. UTC
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24 days to Election Day!
See what's on the ballot:
- Governor, Lieutenant Governor, State Senators, State House Representatives, and other state executive positions. You might also vote on local contests and measures.
- View your sample ballot on the Louisiana Secretary of State's website.
Get a head start:
- Vote early from Sep 30 to Oct 7. Dates and times may vary by location.
- Vote by mail: see if you’re eligible and request your absentee ballot online by Oct 10.
Make sure you're ready to vote:
- Check that you're registered to vote on Louisiana's web site.
- You may need to show an ID when you vote in person. See the “Do I need to bring an ID?” section below to learn more.
How do I vote in person?
Where can I vote on Election Day?
You can look up where to vote on Louisiana's site.
Can I vote early?
- Yes, early voting is offered in this election. You can choose whether to vote on Election Day or during the early voting period, whichever is easier for you. This can be especially helpful if it would be difficult or not possible for you to vote on Election Day. Early voting locations may be less crowded, as well.
- Learn more about voting early in Louisiana.
- Early voting locations may be different from where you vote on Election Day. Check Louisiana’s site to find where to vote early.
What do I need to bring?
You will be asked to show photo ID to vote in Louisiana.
Acceptable forms of photo ID include:
- Louisiana driver's license or special ID card
- LA Wallet digital driver's license
- United States military identification card that contains the applicant's name and picture
- some other generally recognized picture ID that contains your name and signature.
Voters without ID: If you are unable to provide ID, you may still cast your vote by signature on a voter affidavit.
Can I register to vote online?
- Louisiana offers online voter registration.
- You should know: you need a Louisiana driver's license or Louisiana special ID card to use Louisiana's online voter registration system. If you don't have a Louisiana-issued ID, you can still register by mail to vote.
Can I vote early?
Yes, Louisiana does offer early voting.
- You can choose whether to vote on Election Day or during the early voting period, whichever is easier for you. This can be especially helpful if it would be difficult or not possible for you to vote on Election Day. Early voting locations may be less crowded, as well.
When can I vote early?
- You can vote in person before Election Day between Sep 30 and Oct 7. Dates and times may vary by location.
Where can I vote early?
- Early voting locations may be different from where you vote on Election Day. Check Louisiana's site to find where to vote early.
What do I need to bring?
You will be asked to show photo ID to vote in Louisiana.
Acceptable forms of photo ID include:
- Louisiana driver's license or special ID card
- LA Wallet digital driver's license
- United States military identification card that contains the applicant's name and picture
- some other generally recognized picture ID that contains your name and signature.
Voters without ID: If you are unable to provide ID, you may still cast your vote by signature on a voter affidavit.
Can I submit voter registration forms by mail?
Yes, you can print, complete and mail the National Voter Registration Form to register to vote in Louisiana.
Here’s some advice on how to complete the form:
Here’s some advice on how to complete the form:
- Box 6 - ID Number
- You must provide your Louisiana driver's license number or Louisiana special ID card number, if issued.
- If not issued, you must provide at least the last 4 digits of your Social Security number (SSN). The full SSN may be provided on a voluntary basis.
- If you do not have a Louisiana driver's license, Louisiana special ID card, or SSN, you should attach proof of identification to your application. Find forms of proof of identification from the Election Assistance Commission.
- Box 7 - Choice of Party: Louisiana does NOT require that you register with a party to participate in local, state, or congressional primary elections. However, unaffiliated voters cannot participate in presidential primary elections or elections for party committee members.
- Box 8 - Race or Ethnic Group: Completing this box is optional.
- Review the "Who can register to vote?" section above and check that you're eligible.
- Sign the form.
- Send the completed form to your local election office
What if I'm registering to vote for the first time in your jurisdiction and are mailing this registration application?
- If you are registering to vote for the first time in your jurisdiction and are mailing this registration application, Federal law requires you to show proof of identification the first time you vote. Proof of identification includes: current and valid photo identification or current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or government document that shows your name and address.
- More information here.
How do I vote by mail?
Louisiana allows eligible voters to request a mail ballot. All other voters are expected to vote in person. Check to see if you’re eligible to vote by mail on Louisiana's site.
How do I get my ballot?
See if you’re eligible and request your absentee ballot online by Oct 10.
What should I do if I don’t get my ballot?
If you don’t receive your ballot in the mail, then contact your local election office.
How do I return my ballot?
- Read the instructions carefully on how to mark and return your ballot.
- You can return your ballot by mail or by visiting a dedicated drop off location.
- Find a ballot drop off location near you.
- If you choose to return your ballot by mail, the United States Postal Service (USPS) recommends that voters mail their completed ballots at least one week before the due date. Find a USPS location near you.
What do I need to do if I’ve moved?
What’s on your ballot depends on where you live, so your voter registration is tied to your exact address. If you’ve moved, you need to re-register with your new address.
How can I check the status of my ballot?
You can check the status of your ballot on Louisiana’s site.
Can I register to vote on Election Day?
No, this election does not offer in-person registration on Election Day.
Can I submit voter registration forms in person?
- You can also register to vote in person. Contact your local election office for information on when and where to register to vote.
- Learn more by visiting the Louisiana Secretary of State's website or contacting your local election office.
What are key deadlines for this election?
Registration deadlines
- In-person at local election office : Sep 13
- Online : Sep 23
- By mail (postmarked by) : Sep 13
Do I need to bring an ID to vote in person?
You will be asked to show photo ID to vote in Louisiana.
Acceptable forms of photo ID include:
- Louisiana driver's license or special ID card
- LA Wallet digital driver's license
- United States military identification card that contains the applicant's name and picture
- some other generally recognized picture ID that contains your name and signature.
Voters without ID: If you are unable to provide ID, you may still cast your vote by signature on a voter affidavit.
How do I see what's on my ballot?
View your sample ballot on the Louisiana Secretary of State's website.
How do I get help registering to vote?
TurboVote can help you start the absentee/mail-in ballot request process, send you election reminders, and more. If you’d like more help planning how to vote, we can walk you through the process!
Who can register to vote?
To register in Louisiana you must:
- be a U.S. citizen
- be 17 years old (16 years old if registering in person at the Registrar of Voters Office or at the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles), but must be 18 years old to vote
- not be under an order of imprisonment for conviction of a felony or, if under such an order not have been incarcerated pursuant to the order within the last five years and not be under an order of imprisonment related to a felony conviction for election fraud or any other election offense pursuant to La. R.S. 18:1461.2
- not be under a judgment of full interdiction for mental incompetence or partial interdiction with suspension of voting rights
- reside in the state and parish in which you seek to register and
- must be registered at least 20 days prior to an election if registering through the GeauxVote Online Registration System with a Louisiana driver's license or Louisiana special ID card or 30 days prior to an election if registering in person or by mail to be eligible to vote in that particular election. If mailing in an application, the application or envelope must be postmarked 30 days prior to the first election in which you seek to vote
How do I vote if I'm in the military or live overseas?
Active-duty military, their families, and overseas citizens can register to vote and request their absentee ballot using the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). The FPCA process is done by mail, but your state may offer other options to request and return ballots. Please contact your local election office for more information about delivery and return methods, including email, fax, and state online portals. To follow the FPCA process:
- Fill out the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), or download a copy. Your local election office may have questions, so please provide an email address or phone number where they can reach you.
- Send the application to your local election office.
- It is never too early to submit an FPCA! Please do so as soon as possible.
- Please fill out and send back your ballot as soon as you receive it.
- States begin mailing absentee ballots at least 45 days before Election Day. If you haven't received your ballot by 30 days before Election Day, contact your local election office.
If after submitting your FPCA, your ballot does not arrive, contact your local election office first. Then:
- You can still vote using the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB). Print, sign, and mail your FWAB to your local election office.
- If you mail a FWAB and then receive your regular absentee ballot, you should complete and mail your absentee ballot also. Election officials will ensure that only one ballot is counted.
The Federal Voting Assistance Program offers additional information on military and overseas voting in Louisiana. You can also call 1-800-438-VOTE (8683) or email vote@fvap.gov
How can I check my voter registration status?
You can look up your voter registration record and verify that your information is correct using Louisiana's voter registration lookup tool.
How do I contact my state election office?
Which election office should I contact?
- In Louisiana, your local election office runs the elections in your area. They can help you with questions about registering to vote, voting by mail, and local elections.
- The Secretary of State oversees elections and election administration in Louisiana. They can help you with questions about voting in your state, election security, or issues you might have at the polls. If you have concerns about voter intimidation, reach out immediately.
How do I contact my local election office?
Visit your state’s site to find your local election office.