Election Information You Need

Louisiana

Primary Election Process

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.

Louisiana

Eligibility Requirements

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.