Democracy is arguably the ideal form of government. It requires the input of all, no matter your religion, race, age, sex, or economic standing. Historically, this has not always been the case. Women, poor laymen, minorities, and immigrants were barred from voting and participating in the democratic process.
Louisiana has a terrible history of violently stopping the voting rights of Black Americans. In fact, the deadliest massacre in Louisiana history was due to Black Americans using their voting rights.
Today, with virtually no threat of violence, we can vote for our family and community. It is important to follow in the footsteps of those who came before us, and use our voices for change and progress.
We believe everyone has a voice to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who have sought refuge in our state and can help create a more inclusive and welcoming community for all. Our goal is to empower and advocate for refugees and immigrants in Louisiana, ensuring that their voices are heard and their rights are protected.
Through our Voters Campaign, we work to increase civic engagement among refugees and immigrants and to provide them with the tools and resources they need to participate fully in the democratic process.
Voter Campaign Focus Area:- Assisting with Registration and mobilization
- Educating and Empowering Voters
- Advocate for Policy Change
- Building Community Links
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 FAQsElection Calendar
Open Primary | Presidential | Congressional Election
Open General Congressional
How to Register to Vote
Know Your Rights on Election Day
Eligibility to Vote in Louisiana
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:
Review Election Types Primary Elections in LouisianaDiscover 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
How Early Voting Works
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. |