Important Dates and Election Information
- Voter registration deadline: Monday, Oct. 7 (in person, by mail), Tuesday, Oct. 15 (online)
- Last day of early voting: Tuesday, Oct. 29
- Last day to request an absentee ballot: Friday, Nov. 1
- Deadline to return an absentee ballot: Monday, Nov. 4
- General Election: Tuesday, Nov. 5
Voting at a Glance
- Voter registration: Check your registration status through the state’s voter information portal.
- Absentee voting: Registered voters 65 and older, and others with an eligible excuse, can vote absentee by mail. You’ll need to apply and have a witness sign your ballot.
- Early voting: You don’t need a reason to vote early. Visit the secretary of state’s website for early voting hours.
- Voting on Election Day: Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Bring an acceptable photo ID, such as a Louisiana driver’s license.
Recent Voting Changes in Louisiana
- A new law targets ballot harvesting, limiting how many absentee ballots a person can deliver by mail for non-family members.
- Nursing home residents can now participate in early voting two weeks before regular early voting begins.
- Redistricting has changed some U.S. congressional district boundaries, which may impact which candidates are on your ballot. Stay updated for any further changes.
How to Register to Vote
The deadline to register to vote is Monday, Oct. 7, for in-person and mail registration, and Tuesday, Oct. 15, if registering online through the GeauxVote system.
- Online: Use the GeauxVote registration system to register or update your info. You’ll need your Louisiana driver’s license or special ID card to complete the registration.
- By mail: Download the application from the secretary of state’s website, complete it, and mail it to your local registrar of voters office.
- In person: Visit your local registrar of voters office with your ID, such as a Louisiana driver’s license or Social Security card. You can also register at the Office of Motor Vehicles or certain state agencies.
Registering to Vote on Election Day
Louisiana does not allow registration on Election Day.
How to Request an Absentee Ballot
Anyone 65 or older, or those with an approved excuse, can request an absentee ballot. You’ll need to specify the election dates for which you want to vote absentee. Military and overseas voters should contact their registrar of voters or visit the secretary of state’s website for further instructions.
- Online: Use the state’s voter portal to request an absentee ballot.
- By mail or fax: Download the form from the secretary of state’s website, or call your parish registrar to request an application. Mail or fax your completed form to your parish registrar of voters.
- In person: Print and complete the application, then hand-deliver it to your parish registrar of voters.
The deadline to request an absentee ballot for the general election is Friday, Nov. 1.
Returning Your Absentee Ballot
Make sure to follow all instructions for returning your completed absentee ballot. The deadline for it to be received is Monday, Nov. 4.
- By mail: Mail your completed ballot to your parish registrar of voters with the correct postage.
- In person: You or an immediate family member can hand-deliver your ballot to your parish registrar of voters. If a family member delivers it, they must sign a statement certifying their relationship to you.
Track your absentee ballot through the state’s voter information portal.
Voting In Person Before Election Day
All registered voters can vote early. Early voting for the general election runs from Friday, Oct. 18, to Tuesday, Oct. 29, at your parish’s designated location.
Voting at the Polls on Election Day
On Election Day, polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. You can vote as long as you are in line by 8 p.m. Find your polling place through the Louisiana Voter Portal or call your parish registrar of voters office.
Voter ID Requirements on Election Day
You must bring a photo ID such as a Louisiana driver’s license, a state ID card, or a U.S. military ID card. You can also show a digital version of your ID using the LA Wallet app. If you don’t have an ID, you’ll need to sign an affidavit and provide other information to verify your identity.
Voting with a Disability
Voters with disabilities can receive assistance from someone they trust, as long as it’s not a political candidate, employer, or union representative. You may need to provide documentation, such as a doctor’s letter, if you require assistance. Audio ballots are available for voters who are hearing-impaired.
You can also apply to vote absentee if you have a disability. Be sure to provide proof, such as a doctor’s letter or a copy of your Social Security disability benefits, to complete the Disabled Application for Absentee by Mail Ballot.
Voting from a Nursing Home or Long-Term Care Facility
If you live in a nursing home or long-term care facility, you can apply for a special early voting program that takes place two weeks before early voting starts. A registrar will visit your facility to help you vote. Check the secretary of state’s website for more information.
