Warning: 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.
Note - this information below may change for your state due to ongoing litigation and legislation. This page will be updated within 24 hours of any change.
You can vote early in your state before Election Day. Early voting begins on 09/30/2023 and ends on 10/07/2023
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.
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.
You need an excuse to request an absentee ballot. Excuses could include being sick or out of town, but it’s best to check with your state directly to see what counts as an excuse.
Sign section 2 of the voter affidavit on the outside of the ballot envelope.
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.
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.
You must add a stamp when mailing in your ballot.
Return your ballot via commercial delivery services, such as FedEx or UPS (at your expense)
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.
Look Up Ballot Drop Off LocationsClick here to track your ballot. Your state offers electronic, barcode ballot tracking services so you can make sure your ballot gets counted. Your state does not offer voters a chance to address challenges to their ballot. Your ballot will not count if it is late, or you do not follow directions.
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.
The national, nonpartisan Election Protection coalition was formed to ensure that all voters have an equal opportunity to participate in the political process. Made up of more than 100 local, state and national partners, Election Protection works year-round to advance and defend the right to vote.
Call 866-OUR-VOTE if you need assistance.
Find your polling place, ID laws, and more about voting for the first time below.