Understanding Louisiana election procedures is essential for every registered voter. When heading to the polls, one of the first questions you might have, beyond knowing what time is it in Louisiana to ensure you’re on schedule, is about the voting process itself. This guide provides comprehensive information to help you navigate voting on election day in Louisiana, ensuring your voice is heard.
Understanding Louisiana Election Day Times
Louisiana holds elections on both Saturdays and Tuesdays, and it’s crucial to know the specific hours for each. For Saturday elections, polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. If the election falls on a Tuesday, voting hours are from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Keep in mind that what time it is in Louisiana directly impacts when you can cast your ballot, so plan your visit to the polling place accordingly within these hours. Registrar of voters’ offices across parishes are also accessible during extended hours on election days to address any issues, opening from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturdays and 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesdays.
Voter Identification Requirements in Louisiana
When you arrive at your polling location, presenting the correct identification is paramount. Louisiana law requires voters to show a photo ID. Acceptable forms of photo identification include:
- A valid Louisiana driver’s license
- A Louisiana Special Identification Card
- The LA Wallet digital driver’s license
- A United States military ID card (must contain your name and picture)
- Any generally recognized photo ID that includes your name and signature
Alt text: Voter inserting Louisiana driver’s license into AVC Advantage voting machine during election, highlighting voter ID requirement.
If you do not possess any of these photo IDs, you are still entitled to vote. You can cast a ballot by signing a voter affidavit. For those needing a photo ID, Louisiana offers a free Special ID. You can obtain this ID from the Office of Motor Vehicles simply by presenting your voter information card. If you’ve misplaced your card, you can get a replacement by contacting your registrar of voters or by accessing the Louisiana Voter Portal online. On the portal, under the “Search by Voter” option, you can log in and find the “Print Voter Registration Card” link in the second column of Quick Links.
Where to Vote in Louisiana
Finding your designated polling place is straightforward. The Louisiana Voter Portal is an invaluable tool to locate your voting location for election day. Alternatively, you can contact your parish’s Registrar of Voters Office for this information. Your voter information card, which is mailed to registered voters, also lists your specific polling place. It is important to verify your polling location before election day to ensure you go to the correct place to vote.
Assistance for Voters
Louisiana law ensures accommodations for voters who may need assistance. Visibly disabled voters and their assistants are permitted to move to the front of the line at polling places, streamlining the voting process.
Voters who are unable to read or have a physical disability that prevents them from voting without help are entitled to assistance. This assistance can include using an audio ballot as an alternative. To formally arrange for assistance, voters can file a statement with the registrar either in person or by mail before election day. If this isn’t done beforehand, an affidavit and/or disability documentation can be provided to the commissioner at the polling place on election day.
Acceptable documentation verifying disability includes letters from medical professionals such as medical doctors, optometrists, physician assistants, or nurse practitioners. Alternatively, current documentation confirming eligibility for disability benefits from Social Security, veteran’s services, paratransit services, the Office for Citizens with Developmental Disabilities, or Louisiana Rehabilitation Services is also accepted. Any accessibility concerns on Election Day should be reported to the ADA Compliance Officer via email at [email protected] or by phone at 225.362.5113.
Voters can choose any person to assist them, including a commissioner, with some exceptions to prevent conflicts of interest. The following individuals are prohibited from assisting a voter:
- Candidates in the election
- Employers or employer’s agents assisting employees
- Union agents assisting union members
- Commissioners-in-charge
- Staff of state residential facilities assisting facility residents
Any person assisting a voter, including a commissioner, must complete a voter assistance form, providing their name, address, and relationship to the voter. If paper ballots are necessary, the assistant must explain to the voter that their signature or mark certifies the truthfulness of the certificate’s statements, with penalties for false statements. The assistant must also sign an acknowledgment on the ballot envelope, confirming they marked the ballot as directed by the voter. For voters assigned to inaccessible polling places, they can vote at the nearest accessible polling place with the same ballot or at the Registrar of Voters Office.
Louisiana’s Voting System: AVC Advantage
Since 2006, Louisiana has utilized the AVC Advantage voting system. This direct recording electronic system displays the entire ballot on a screen. These systems are more user-friendly, smaller, and lighter than older lever machines and have been well-received by poll workers. The AVC Advantage system features larger, easier-to-read type, wheelchair accessibility, and audio voting keypads for voters with disabilities. Election results are easily printed and stored on cartridges for delivery to the clerk of court after the polls close.
Alt text: Detailed view of AVC Audio Voting Keypad, emphasizing accessibility features for Louisiana voters with visual impairments.
The AVC Audio Voting Keypad is designed to enhance accessibility for voters with visual impairments, physical disabilities, or reading difficulties. Its availability on both AVC Advantage and AVC Edge systems ensures that all Louisiana voters have access to accessible voting technology. There is no requirement for voters to use the AVC Audio Voting Keypad; it is available as an option to improve the voting experience for those who need it.
Knowing what time is it in Louisiana is just the starting point for participating in elections. Understanding voter ID, polling locations, assistance options, and the voting system ensures every eligible Louisianan can confidently cast their vote.
