The deadline to cure (correct) your absentee/mail ballot is by 4:30pm on the day before Election Day. If there is ballot envelope flap deficiency, the registrar of voters will immediately mail a written notice of the deficiency with instructions on how to cure the issue in person. The registrar will also attempt to call or email the voter if that contact information is in the voter's registration record. You can track the status of your absentee/mail ballot using your state's online tool.  

If you voted a provisional ballot, you can check the status of your ballot using your state’s online resource starting seven days after the election. 

For information on federal campaign contributions, please visit Open Secrets.

For information on state campaign contributions, please visit your state's resource.

Information on local, state and federal candidates and ballot measures may be available here.

Early Voting Starts: 14 days before Election Day.  

Early Voting Ends: 7 days before Election Day 

Note: For presidential elections, early voting starts 18 days before Election Day and ends seven days before. 

Voters who wish to vote early may do so at their parish Registrar of Voters office or designated voting location in the parish from 14 days to 7 days before a scheduled election (For presidential elections, early voting is 18 to 7 days before the election). You do not need a reason to vote early.

For more information on dates and locations for early voting, please use your state's resource.

The next election date can be found here https://www.vote411.org/louisiana.

Contact your local Board of Elections for more information.

Polls will be open from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm on all Tuesday elections, and from 7:00am to 8:00pm on all Saturday elections.

WHO CAN REGISTER TO VOTE IN LOUISIANA? 

To register to vote in Louisiana, you must: 

• be a US citizen 
• be at least 17 years old (or 16 if registering in person at the Registrar of Voters Office or Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles) 
• be 18 years old to vote 
• reside in Louisiana and the parish where you’re registering 
• not be under an order of imprisonment for a felony conviction, or if you are: 
• not have been incarcerated in the last five years, and 
• not be imprisoned for election fraud or another election-related offense 
• not be under a judgment of full interdiction for mental incompetence or partial interdiction with suspension of voting rights 

You must register at least: 

• 20 days before an election if registering online using the GeauxVote system with a Louisiana driver’s license or special ID card 
• 30 days before an election if registering by mail or in person 

WHO CAN VOTE IN LOUISIANA? 

You can vote in Louisiana if you: 

• are registered to vote 
• 20 days before an election if registering online using the GeauxVote system with a Louisiana driver’s license or special ID card 
• 30 days before an election if registering by mail or in person 
• are at least 18 years old on or before Election Day 
• meet all other eligibility requirements, including residency and not being disqualified due to a felony conviction or court order 

CAN I VOTE IF I HAVE A FELONY CONVICTION? 

In Louisiana, you lose your right to vote if you are convicted of a felony or an election offense. You regain your eligibility upon the completion of your sentence (including parole or probation) or five years after your release from prison, whichever is sooner. Individuals convicted of an election offense will have their rights restored upon completing their sentence, including parole and probation.    

CAN I REGISTER AND VOTE IF I DON’T HAVE A TRADITIONAL ADDRESS? 

Yes. If you don’t have a traditional or fixed home in Louisiana, you can still register to vote. You’ll need to describe where you stay by drawing a map in the box provided on the voter registration form. 

• Show nearby streets and mark an “X” where you usually stay. 
• You can also include dots for nearby places like schools, churches, stores, or landmarks and write their names. 
• You cannot use a P.O. Box as your residence address. 

If you don’t get mail at your residence location, you must also provide a mailing address—this can be a P.O. Box, shelter, or other place where you can receive mail. 

AM I REQUIRED TO SHOW ID TO REGISTER TO VOTE IN LOUISIANA? 

• Yes, if registering online: You must provide a Louisiana driver’s license or Louisiana special ID card. 
• No, if registering by mail or in person: But you must provide other identifying information, such as: 
• The last four digits of your Social Security number (if issued), or 
• Additional documents if neither a Louisiana ID nor SSN is available and you are registering for the first time. 

Voters can call or text 844-338-8743 at any time to reach VoteRiders Voter ID Helpline 

WHAT TYPES OF ID CAN I USE TO REGISTER TO VOTE IN LOUISIANA? 

Online registration: 

• A valid Louisiana driver’s license or Louisiana special ID card with an audit code. The audit code is a four-digit number labeled AUDIT on the front of the license. 

By mail or in person: 

• Last four digits of your Social Security number (if you have one). 
• If you don’t have a Louisiana ID or SSN and are registering by mail for the first time, include a copy of: 
• A current and valid photo ID, or 
• A current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document with your name and address. 

WHAT IF I DON’T HAVE THE REQUIRED ID WHEN I REGISTER? 

If you don’t have a Louisiana driver’s license or Louisiana special ID: 

• You can still register using the last four digits of your Social Security number 
• Providing your full Social Security number is optional but preferred, it helps process your registration faster and more accurately 
• If you're registering for the first time and don’t provide a Louisiana ID or SSN, and you're mailing your form, you should also include a document that proves your identity and address, such as: 
• A copy of a valid photo ID 
• A current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or another government document with your name and address 

Official results are never available on Election Day. Election officials are working around the clock to count an unprecedented number of ballots, and it’s essential that they take the time to make sure every vote is counted.

Official election results will be uploaded on Louisiana’s Secretary of State website as they become available.

You are a Military or Overseas voter if you are in uniformed services, living overseas OR a spouse or dependent of a uniformed services voter. To get registered and vote, you can utilize Overseas Vote Foundation.

If you have additional questions about elections and voting overseas you can use our state specific elections official directory or contact the Overseas Vote Foundation.

You can make sure we have safe, fair, and efficient elections for all. Become a poll worker today!

In order to be a poll worker in Louisiana, you must:

• Be registered to vote in Louisiana
• Be entitled to compensation
• Be at least 18 years of age
• Political affiliation required
• Be a resident of election precinct
• Complete required training
• Students who are at least 17 years of age who are otherwise a qualified voter may work if they are registered as a high school senior
• Be a registered voter who does not need any assistance

To sign up, contact your local board of elections.

Find the latest updates on relocated polling locations in Louisiana by clicking here. Polling locations that have not been moved are not included in this list. For additional information regarding your polling location, please visit Louisiana's Voter Portal or contact your county clerk.

Closed Party Primary Elections in Louisiana

Starting in 2026, Louisiana will adopt a closed primary system for the following offices: U.S. Senator, U.S. Representative, Louisiana Supreme Court Justice, Public Service Commissioner, and the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE).

Only voters registered as Democrat or Republican may vote in that party’s primary. Voters registered with no party may choose to vote in either the Democratic or Republican primary, but not both. Voters registered with any other party cannot vote in closed primaries.

Most other offices will continue to use the open primary system.

Open Primary Elections in Louisiana

Louisiana uses an open primary system for most state, parish, and local elections. All candidates run together on one ballot, and any registered voter can participate regardless of political party.

If a candidate receives more than 50 percent of the vote, they are elected. If no one receives more than 50 percent, the top two candidates go to a runoff election.

This open primary system does not apply to presidential primaries or to certain offices that use a closed party primary.

If you have any questions about your state’s primary election, please contact your local election officials.

There are several reasons why you may vote a provisional ballot.

Such as:

• You are in the parish where you are registered to vote and you are voting at the wrong precinct.
• You are in a precinct that is not in the parish where you are registered to vote.
• You are not registered to vote in Louisiana, and you enter a precinct to vote.

For all these instances, you may vote a paper provisional ballot for federal offices, you will not be allowed to vote on the voting machines for state, local or municipal offices, propositions or constitutional amendments.

Provisional ballots are counted by 3 days after the election. If you would like to know if it was counted, please utilize your state's resource. Voters should wait at least 7 days after an election to check the status.

Voters who are physically unable to vote in person at the polls on Election Day and unable to vote in person at the registrar's office may be eligible for the special program for physically handicapped voters. Call your parish registrar of voters office and ask for more details to see if you are eligible. Disabled voters may go to the front of the line at their polling place.

Proof of disability is required to be filed with the Registrar of Voters either in person or through the mail. Proof of disability include:

• A complete physicians form
• Copy of a current mobility impaired ID card issued by the office of motor vehicles
• Copy of current documentation showing eligibility for disability benefits from a government agency

For more information, you can utilize the American Association of People With Disabilities (AAPD) resource.

What do I need to register to vote in Louisiana? 

Here is what you need to know to register in Louisiana: 

There are three methods of voter registration in Louisiana: register in-person, register online, or mail a printable application to your local registrar of voters' office. 

Can I register to vote using my college address in Louisiana? 

Yes, if you consider your campus address your residence, you can register to vote there. If you move to a different dorm or off campus, be sure to update your voter registration with your new address so you vote in the correct district.  

What’s the deadline to register to vote in Louisiana? 

In Louisiana, you must register at least 20 days before the election if registering online, or 30 days before if registering by mail or in person. Be sure to check the exact dates each year, as they may vary slightly. 

What form of ID do I need to vote in Louisiana? 

You must present a photo ID when voting in person in Louisiana. This can include a driver’s license, passport, student ID from a state-supported college, or other accepted forms. 

I’m originally from another state, can I still vote in my home state while studying in Louisiana? 

Yes, you can vote in your home state using an absentee ballot, but you'll need to follow your home state's rules and deadlines. You can find the rules for your state on VOTE411 or by contacting your state’s election office. 

Does registering to vote affect my financial aid, parents’ taxes, and/or tuition in Louisiana? 

Registering to vote in your college community will not affect your Federal Financial Aid, status as a dependent on your parents’ taxes, or tuition status. 

Time off to vote is subject to the employer, there is no requirement for employers to grant time off to vote for employees.

To verify your voter registration status

DO I NEED TO SHOW ID WHEN I VOTE IN LOUISIANA? 

Yes. When you go vote in Louisiana, you must provide a photo identification and state your name and address to the poll worker. 

WHAT TYPES OF ID CAN I USE TO VOTE IN LOUISIANA? 

Acceptable photo IDs include: 

• A Louisiana driver's license 
• A Louisiana special ID card (you can get one for free at the Office of Motor Vehicles by showing your voter information card). 
• A Louisiana Wallet digital driver's license 
• U.S. military ID that has your name and photo 
• Any other generally recognized picture ID card that contains your name and signature 

WHAT IF I DON’T HAVE AN ACCEPTABLE ID WHEN I GO TO VOTE? 

You can still vote by completing a Voter Identification Affidavit at the polls. However, your vote may be challenged under state law, so it’s recommended to bring an acceptable ID if you can. 

You can also get a free Louisiana special ID at the Office of Motor Vehicles if you bring your voter information card. 

Voters can call or text 844-338-8743 at any time to reach VoteRiders Voter ID Helpline 

Online registration deadline: 20 days before Election Day

Register by mail deadline: Postmarked 30 days before Election Day

In-person registration deadline: 30 days before Election Day

You can now register to vote online! If you submit your application online you must have a Louisiana driver's license or Louisiana special ID card number to complete the process. You will also need to enter the last four digits of your social security number on the form. 

You may also register to vote by mail or in person by downloading the Louisiana Voter Registration Application, completing it and mailing it or turning it in yourself to your local Registrar of Voters Office. If mailing in an application, the application or envelope must be postmarked 30 days prior to the election in which you want to vote in.

Not registered? Use our online registration tool to complete your application! 

The voting system used in Louisiana is DRE.

Direct Recording Electronic (DRE): This is the newest kind of system in use in the U.S. All the information about who and what you are voting for is on an electronic screen like a TV or computer screen.

There are many variations of DREs because lots of companies are inventing new ones, and many cities, counties and states are trying them out. Usually, after you have signed in, the poll workers will give you a card that you slide into a device to start your voting session.

Some of these devices will show all of the candidates and ballot choices on one big screen. Often, with these big screen devices you push a button next to the name of the candidate you want to vote for (or yes or no on a ballot measure). On other DREs, the screen is set up to show pages. On each screen or page, there will probably be one thing to vote on. For example, on one screen or page, you might vote for president. Then you might move to the next page to vote for senator. Often these small-screen devices have a touch screen, where you touch the screen next to the name of the person you want to vote for. Other devices have a key pad. And some have a keyboard, so you can write in the name of someone you want to vote for.

You let the system know you are finished voting by pushing a button, touching the screen or entering something on a keypad.

You can learn more about voting systems by checking out the Elections Assistance Commission's (EAC) resource.