Last update: Sep 20, 2023 07:27 a.m. EDT
Last update: Sep 19, 2023 11:07 a.m. UTC
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Summary
Louisiana offers absentee ballots by mail to voters who will be unable to vote in person. All other voters are expected to vote in person. Louisiana offers early voting.
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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 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, 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.
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.
How can I check the status of my ballot?
You can check the status of your ballot on Louisiana’s site.
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.
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.
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?
Request your mail-in ballot with a mail ballot application.
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?
Louisiana does not offer registration on Election Day.
Get Ready to Vote
- Louisiana Primary Election : Oct 14
- Louisiana General Election : Nov 18
How do I see what's on my ballot?
View your sample ballot on the Louisiana Secretary of State's website. Available ballot information may vary depending on the upcoming election.
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!
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.