Last update: Nov 04, 2024 22:28 p.m. EST
Last update: Nov 04, 2024 08:38 a.m. UTC
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These guides are researched, written, and updated by Democracy Works, a non-partisan 501(c)(3) registered non-profit organization. The information in these guides originates from official state sources and is reviewed by state election offices. The guides also link to authoritative state and local resources to provide additional information.
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Registration Summary
Louisiana offers online voter registration. You can register by mail to vote in Louisiana by printing a voter registration form, filling it out, and mailing it to your local election office. You can also register to vote in person if you prefer.
Voting 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.
What are key deadlines for the November 2024 election?
Registration deadlines
- In-person at local election office : Oct 7
- Online : Oct 15
- By mail (postmarked by) : Oct 7
Absentee ballot deadlines
- Request ballot (received by) : Nov 1 by 4:30 p.m. CDT
- Return ballot by mail (received by) : Nov 4 by 4:30 p.m. CST
- Return ballot in person : Nov 4 by 4:30 p.m. CST
Registration Top Actions
Voting Top Actions
How can I check the status of my mail ballot?
You can check the status of your ballot on Louisiana’s website.
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: You are NOT required to register with a party to participate in local, state, or congressional primary elections in Louisiana. 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 my jurisdiction and mailing my registration application?
If you are registering to vote for the first time in your jurisdiction and are mailing your 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 election officials keep voting secure?
Election officials in your state and community are working hard to ensure the integrity of our elections. All states have implemented security measures to protect the vote.
Visit the Louisiana Secretary of State website to learn more about election security. If you’re interested in getting involved with elections in your community, contact your local election office to learn about opportunities in your area.
Can I submit voter registration forms in person?
- You can 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 website or contacting your local election office.
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.
Who can register to vote?
To register in Louisiana you must:
- be a United States citizen
- be at least 17 years old (16 years old if registering in person at the Registrar of Voters Office or at the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles), and you must be at least 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
- 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
Can I register to vote on Election Day?
Louisiana does not offer registration on Election Day.
Can I register to vote before I turn 18?
You can register to vote in Louisiana before you turn 18 if you:
If you are 16 years old, you must register in person at the Registrar of Voters Office or at the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles. If you are 17 years old, you may register online, by mail, or in person.
You must be 18 years old to vote.
- are at least 16 years old
- are a citizen of the United States
- reside in Louisiana and the parish in which you seek to register
- are not 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
- are not 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
- are not under a judgment of full interdiction for mental incompetence or partial interdiction with suspension of voting rights
If you are 16 years old, you must register in person at the Registrar of Voters Office or at the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles. If you are 17 years old, you may register online, by mail, or in person.
You must be 18 years old to vote.
Can I submit a voter registration application online before I turn 18?
Yes, you can register online on the Louisiana Secretary of State website.
To register using the Louisiana online voter registration system, you must be at least 17 years old. You are required to provide the four-digit audit code from your Louisiana driver's license or Louisiana special ID.
If you are at least 17 years old and don’t have a Louisiana driver's license or Louisiana special ID, you can still submit a voter registration application by mail or in person. If you are 16 years old, you can submit a voter registration application in person at the Registrar of Voters Office or at the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles.
Can I submit a voter registration application by mail before I turn 18?
Yes, you can register to vote by mail using this form.
You must be at least 17 years old to submit a voter registration application by mail in Louisiana. When submitting your application by mail in Louisiana, you are required to provide the following ID numbers, if you have them:
- Louisiana driver’s license or special ID card number
- last four digits of your Social Security number
If you do not have any of these numbers, you must include a copy of ONE of the following:
- current and valid photo identification
- current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or another government document
Can I complete a voter registration application in person before I turn 18?
Yes, you can learn more about registering to vote in person on the Louisiana Secretary of State website.
You can complete a voter registration application in person at any of the following public agencies in Louisiana:
- Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles
- Registrar of Voters Office
If you are registering to vote in person at a parish Registrar of Voters Office, you are required to prove age, residency, and identity.
Acceptable forms include:
- Louisiana driver’s license or Louisiana special ID card
- birth certificate
- other documentation that reasonably and sufficiently establishes your identity, age, and residency
If you are at least 17 years old, you can also complete a voter registration application in person at any mandated site listed on the Louisiana Secretary of State’s website. If you are registering at a mandated site, you only need to provide whatever proof of identification is required for services received that you have applied for at the public agency.
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 offers 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.
- 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 your 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 offers 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 Oct 18 and Oct 29. 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 your 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 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 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 your ballot does not arrive after you submit your FPCA, 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
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.