Even Vote?
Voting is the primary means by which citizens elect representatives who make decisions on their behalf.
Elections provide a mechanism for holding elected officials accountable.
Local elections directly affect schools, safety, and local infrastructure.
Voting influences decisions on healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
Voting lends legitimacy to the government and strengthens its mandate to govern.
Participating in elections strengthens democracy and keeps it effective.
Voters Engagement
Help build a more inclusive Louisiana by using your voice and your vote. Learn how to register, get involved, and stand up for refugee and immigrant rights in your community.
Democracy thrives on equal participation, though historically many groups were excluded from voting. In Louisiana, Black Americans once faced violent suppression for exercising this right. Today, voting is safer, and it is vital to honor past struggles by using our voices for progress. LORI empowers refugees and immigrants to engage in democracy through its Voters Campaign, ensuring their voices are heard and rights protected.
Voter Campaign Focus Areas
Join us in our mission to empower refugees and immigrants through civic engagement. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who have chosen Louisiana as their new home.
Get involved today and be a part of the change!
VOTING FAQs
Election Calendar
2025 Election Calendar
Open Primary
Early Voting: Sept. 27 – Oct. 04
Voter Registration Deadlines
In Person or By Mail: Sept. 10, 2025
Geaux Vote Online: Sept. 20, 2025
Open General
Early Voting: Nov. 01 – Nov. 08
Voter Registration Deadlines
In Person or By Mail: Oct. 15, 2025
Geaux Vote Online: Oct. 25, 2025
NO VOTING ON SUNDAYS
How to Register to Vote
How Do I Register To VOTE?
ONLINE
PHONE CALL
Secretary of State’s Office
1-800-883-2805
WALK-INS
Local Post Office
Office of Motor Vehicles
WALK-INS
- Department of Social Services
- Medicaid offices
- WIC
- Food Stamp
WALK-INS
Armed Forces recruitment offices
Offices for persons with disabilities
Know Your Rights on Election Day
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS ON
Election Day
BALLOT MISTAKES
If you make a mistake on your ballot, ask for a new one.
STAY IN LINE
If the polls close while you’re in line, stay in line. You have the right to vote.
MACHINE ISSUES
If machines are down at your polling place, ask for a paper ballot.
QUESTIONS OR ISSUES?
If you run into any problems or have questions on Election Day, call the Election Protection Hotline.
Eligibility to Vote in Louisiana
U.S. Citizenship
Only U.S. citizens are eligible to vote in Louisiana.
Age Requirement
You must be at least 17 years old to register and 18 years old by the time of the next election to vote.
GET TO KNOW
ELIGIBILITY
TO VOTE IN
LOUISIANA
Residency
You must be a resident of Louisiana and the specific parish where you are registering to vote.
Legal Standing
You must not be currently serving a sentence due to a felony conviction or under a judgment of interdiction for mental incompetence.
How can I ensure I’m on the registered voter list?
Make your voice heard in every election! Remember, if you don’t vote, you might end up as an inactive voter.
Stay informed about your registration status! Head over to Register to Vote to check and update your registration today.
What if I’m not on the Registered Voter List?
If you discover that you’ve been removed from the voter registration list, don’t worry! It’s crucial to register NOW so you can make your voice heard in the upcoming election. Just head over to Register to Vote to get started!
If you find yourself removed while trying to vote, you can still participate! Request a provisional ballot and reach out to 866-OUR-VOTE for assistance. Your vote matters!
Understanding Louisiana Primaries: A Simplified Guide:
How Do Louisiana Primaries Work?
In Louisiana, we hold our local and state elections on Saturdays through something called an open primary system. Here’s what that means:
- Open Primary System: In this system, anyone who meets the qualifications can run for office, regardless of their party affiliation. It’s often referred to as a “jungle primary” because of the mix of candidates.
- Voting Access: All eligible voters are welcome to cast their ballots, no matter what party they belong to. This ensures that everyone has a voice in the elections.
- Scope: Open primaries are utilized for all state, parish, municipal, and congressional elections in Louisiana.
- Important Note: When it comes to presidential primary elections, Louisiana switches it up with a closed primary system.
Let’s make sure we’re all informed and ready to participate in our elections!
Learn more here:
Discover More Resources on Voting
For all your voting needs, you can reach out to the Secretary of State Elections Division at P.O. Box 94125, Baton Rouge, LA 70804. Feel free to call 1-800-883-2805 for assistance or visit us online at Register to Vote for more information.
Having Trouble Voting? Here’s Who to Contact!
If you encounter any issues while trying to cast your vote, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local Registrar of Voters. Here’s a list of contacts based on your parish:
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East Baton Rouge 222 St. Louis Street, Suite 201 Baton Rouge, LA 70802 📞 (225) 389-3940 ✉️ eastbatonrougerova@sos.la.gov |
Jefferson Parish -Harahan 1221 Elmwood Park Boulevard, Room 502 Harahan, LA 70123 📞 (504) 736-6191 ✉️ Jeffersonrova@sos.la.gov – Marrero 5001 West Bank Expressway, Suite C-2 Marrero, LA 70072 📞 (504) 349-5690 ✉️ Jeffersonrova@sos.la.gov – Kenner 408 Minor Street Kenner, LA 70062 📞 (504) 467-5168 ✉️ Jeffersonovc@sos.la.gov |
Orleans Parish – City Hall 1300 Perdido Street, #1W23 New Orleans, LA 70112 📞 (504) 658-8300 ✉️ Orleansova@sos.la.gov – Morgan Street 225 Morgan Street, Room 105 New Orleans, LA 70114 📞 (504) 658-8323 ✉️ Orleansovc@sos.la.gov |
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Calcasieu Parish Parish Courthouse, 1000 Ryan St – Rm 7 Lake Charles, LA 70601 📞 (225) (337) 721-4000 ✉️ Calcasieurov@sos.la.gov |
Terrebonne Parish 8026 Main Street, Suite 101 Houma, LA 70360 📞 (985) 873-6533 ✉️ Terrebonnerov@sos.la.gov |
Caddo Parish 525 Marshall, Suite 103 Shreveport, LA 71101 📞 (318) 226-6891 ✉️ Caddorov@sos.la.gov |
Identification Requirements for Voting in Louisiana
VOTER IDENTIFICATION
Present your name and address to the commissioner.
ACCEPTABLE ID FORMS
- Louisiana driver’s license
- Louisiana special identification card
- Any recognized photo ID with your name and signature
IDENTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
FOR VOTING IN LOUISIANA
NO PHOTO ID?
– Complete an Identification Affidavit.
– Note: You may be challenged by law if you do not have an ID.
OBTAINING A FREE ID:
– Get a free Louisiana special identification card by showing your voter information card at the Office of Motor Vehicles.
How Early Voting Works
How Early Voting Works
No Reason Required
You can vote early without needing a specific reason!
Eligibility
All voters are welcome to participate in early voting, just like voting on Election Day.
Where to Vote Early
– Go to the parish registrar of voters office
– Or visit designated early voting locations in your parish
Voting Hours
– Open from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM
– Available 7 to 14 days before any scheduled election
Voting Rights for Individuals with Disabilities
As a voter with a disability, your rights are protected. Your voice is important—make sure it’s heard!
Here’s what you need to know:
Your Right to VoteYou have the right to vote unless a court has determined otherwise. |
Your Choice MattersVoting is entirely your decision. No one can influence how you choose to vote. |
Confidentiality is KeyYour vote is private. You are not obligated to share how you voted with anyone. |
Access to Polling PlacesPolling locations must be accessible to you, ensuring you can participate without barriers. |
Support is AvailableIf you need assistance with voter registration or using a voting machine, don’t hesitate to ask for help. |
Accommodations for Voters with Disabilities: Your In-Person Voting Options
If you plan to vote in person during early voting or on election day, there are numerous accommodations available to support all voters:
Adjustable Voting MachinesIf you use a wheelchair or prefer to sit while voting, the voting machines can be adjusted to accommodate your needs. |
Audio Accessible VotingVoting machines are equipped with audio capabilities. If you’d like to use the audio voting keypad, please let the registrar or poll commissioner know before you start voting. |
Personal HeadphonesFeel free to bring your own headphones to use with the audio voting keypad for added comfort. |
Magnification AssistanceYou can request a 2X magnifier to help with voting. This magnifier is available at every polling place and during early voting at the Registrar of Voters Office. Additionally, early voting machines allow you to adjust the screen text size for better visibility. |
Extra LightingIf you need more light while voting, you are welcome to bring your own flashlight to use at the voting machine. |
Signature AssistanceYou may bring your own signature tool to help you sign your name. |
Braille Voting InstructionsBraille instructions are available at each Registrar of Voters’ Office and polling place to assist you. |
Extended Voting TimeWhile state law allows three minutes for voting, if you require assistance or are using the audio voting keypad, you will have up to 20 minutes to complete your vote. |
Voting Resources for People With Disabilities
Here are some great resources to help you navigate voting:
Autistic Self Advocacy NetworkCheck out “Your Vote Counts: A Self-Advocate’s Guide to Voting in the US.” This toolkit is super accessible and uses easy-to-read language and pictures to explain everything you need to know about voting. |
National Association for the DeafThey have an ASL Voter Hotline where you can ask any questions about voting and get answers in ASL. |
National Federation of the BlindFind a variety of voting resources here, including surveys, multimedia presentations, and information on proposed legislation. |
Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD)– Guardianship Chart:Learn about voting laws for individuals with intellectual disabilities or guardianship. Each state has different rules, so find out what applies to you. – Tuesdays with Liz on Voting:Watch videos made for viewers with intellectual disabilities, hosted by advocate Liz Weintraub. |
Signvote.orgThis nonpartisan site offers accessible content, including videos in American Sign Language (ASL), making it easier for everyone to understand the voting process. |
OneVoteNow.org BlogRead articles and updates that focus on voters with intellectual and developmental disabilities. |