The upcoming election is a state primary. Click here for additional info, including party requirements and what's on the ballot.
Learn about all the options to vote in Louisiana to make a plan to vote that works for you!
Louisiana Board of Elections Phone Number: (225) 922-0900
We are here to help make sure you are prepared to cast your ballot!
Having trouble at the polls?
Call or text: 1-866-OUR-VOTE
Whether you are registering to vote for the first time, or need to update your address, name or party affiliation - we've got you covered!
Not sure if you are eligible to vote due to a felony conviction?
Click here to learn more.
Request and track
Notice: Mail-in voting is a convenient and safe way to vote, but your ballot might not count if it’s submitted late or with errors. So follow the directions below on how to vote early or absentee and make your vote count in Louisiana.
Excuse required to vote by mail.
Voting by mail is a two-step process in Louisiana
Step 1: Request your ballot NOW. You must have a qualifying excuse. The deadline for your application to be received is October 10th at 4:30 p.m.
Step 2: Complete and return your ballot ASAP.
Grab a friend! After you complete your ballot, sign the affidavit envelope in the presence of an adult witness. They must sign it, too. For more info, watch the state-issued video on completing your absentee ballot here.
Remember to sign your return ballot.
Sign section 2 of the voter affidavit on the outside of the ballot envelope.
First time voters must submit ID when voting by mail.
ID is required with completed mail-in ballot.
Louisiana voters must show valid photo ID when voting in person. Info here on what qualifies.
Submit a copy of your valid photo ID with your absentee ballot application. No ID needs to be sent with the actual ballot, but the signature will need to match the signature on the voter registration form.
If you return your ballot by mail, you must add a stamp when mailing in your ballot. You can also return your ballot via commercial delivery services, such as FedEx or UPS (at your expense).
You can also drop off your ballot in person at your local elections office.
Only your immediate family can deliver your ballot for you. A signed statement must be completed upon delivery by this family member, certifying their relationship to you.
Track your ballot by clicking here.
If you have an absentee ballot that you are not going to use, or you miss the deadline to return, you may go to your polling place and vote in person. You may be asked to use a provisional ballot. This is better than not voting, but may not be counted.
Louisiana does offer voters a chance to address challenges to their ballot.
Your state has a cure period, which means you can “cure” a challenge to the signature on your ballot if it was done incorrectly. Your local elections office is required to contact you and give you options to remedy your ballot.
You may get a call from a number you do not recognize with a notification that you need to cure your ballot. Be sure to pick so you don’t miss your chance to make sure your vote is counted.
You must appear in person at registrar of voters office by no later than 4:30 p.m. the day before the election to cure the ballot envelope flap deficiency.
Voters in Louisiana must show acceptable photo ID to vote at the polls. Valid forms of identification include;
Enter your address below to see what you can expect on Election Day.
Primary Type (D): Mixed
Primary Type (R): Closed
The primary election is a top-two primary. After you vote, if one candidate gets over 50% of the vote, they have won the election. If no candidate receives 50%, the top two vote-getters on the ballot, regardless of their party, will move onto the general election.
The Louisiana primary election includes the following races:
– Governor
– Attorney General
– Secretary of State
– Treasurer
– Agricultural Commissioner
– State Legislature
Your state automatically registers people to vote at the address on their drivers license or other state issued ID card. If you have moved but have not updated your ID with your new address, changed your name or want to add a political party selection, you must update your voter registration. Click here to check to see if you are registered to vote, and update your registration if needed.
You can register to vote and cast your ballot on Election Day at your polling place or local elections office. Bring a valid ID and proof of residence with you.
Early voting is open daily from September 30th through October 7th from 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Contact your parish registrar of voters for early voting locations.
Some states have laws that specifically allow citizens to preregister at a certain age while others allow registration as long as you’re 18 by the next election. Preregistration means you’ll be automatically registered to vote on your 18th birthday without taking any additional steps.
In Louisiana, you can preregister to vote if you are 16. Register to vote today!
Some states even let you vote in their primaries at 17 if you’ll be 18 by the general election so you can participate in the whole process!
You can not vote in the Louisiana primaries if you are 17 by the next election.