reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:410.8. Candidates not affiliated with a recognized political party; qualifying for the general election

RS 18:410.8 - Candidates not affiliated with a recognized political party; qualifying for the general election
A. Any person who desires to become a candidate in a general election for a party primary office and who is not registered as being affiliated with a recognized political party shall file his notice of candidacy, which shall be accompanied by a nominating petition as provided in R.S. 18:465, with the appropriate qualifying official during the qualifying period established for the party primary election. The number of signatures required on such a nominating petition shall be as set forth in R.S. 18:465.
B. A person filing a notice of candidacy as provided in Subsection A of this Section may be nominated only by persons who are qualified to vote on the office he seeks, who sign a nominating petition for him, and who are not affiliated with a recognized political party. The registrar of voters shall reject any signature on a nominating petition not in compliance with this Subsection.
Acts 2024, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 1, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2026.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:410.9. Nomination of candidates in a party primary election; general election; unopposed candidate

RS 18:410.9 - Nomination of candidates in a party primary election; general election; unopposed candidate
A. If, after the close of the qualifying period for candidates in a party primary election, only one candidate qualified for the recognized political party or only one candidate for the recognized political party remains after the withdrawal of one or more candidates, the candidate is declared the nominee of the party, and his name shall not appear on the ballot in a party primary election but shall be on the ballot for the general election. If a party primary election ballot was printed with the name of a candidate who withdrew on it, any votes received by a candidate who withdrew shall be void and shall not be counted for any purpose whatsoever.
B. If, after the close of the qualifying period for candidates for a party primary office, only one candidate qualified for a party primary election or the general election or only one candidate remains after the withdrawal or disqualification of one or more candidates, the candidate is declared elected by the people at the close of the polls on the day of the general election, and his name shall not appear on the ballot in a party primary and such candidate's name shall not appear on the general election ballot.
Acts 2024, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 1, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2026.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:421. Secretary of state; first assistant and other employees of the secretary of state

RS 18:421 - Secretary of state; first assistant and other employees of the secretary of state
A. The secretary of state is the chief election officer of the state. Except as otherwise provided by law, the first assistant appointed by the secretary of state possesses all the powers and authority granted by law to the secretary of state and may perform any of the duties and exercise any of the functions of the secretary of state. The first assistant and other employees of the secretary of state are subject to his direction and supervision and shall perform the duties assigned to them by law and by the secretary of state. The secretary of state is responsible for the performance or nonperformance of their official duties by his first assistant and other employees.
B. The secretary of state shall develop and print the voters' bill of rights posters for voters and commissioners, which shall not be inconsistent with the constitution and laws of the United States or of this state and which shall be approved by the attorney general.
C. The secretary of state shall develop an informational pamphlet for the use of commissioners-in-charge and commissioners on election day, which shall contain instructions concerning the procedures to be used in conducting the election at the polls, counting and tabulating the votes, and transmitting the election returns and other election records. The pamphlet shall explain the powers and duties of commissioners-in-charge, commissioners, and watchers.
D. The secretary of state shall prepare examinations for commissioners and commissioners-in-charge as required in R.S. 18:431.1.
E. The informational pamphlet and examinations provided for in Subsections C and D of this Section shall be subject to approval as to content by the attorney general.
Acts 1976, No. 697, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978. Amended by Acts 1977, No. 523, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978; Acts 1988, No. 831, §1; Acts 2001, No. 451, §6, eff. Jan. 12, 2004; Acts 2020, No. 28, §1, eff. June 4, 2020.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:422. Clerks of court; deputy clerks and other employees of the clerk

RS 18:422 - Clerks of court; deputy clerks and other employees of the clerk
The clerk of court is the chief election officer of the parish. Except as otherwise provided by law, a deputy clerk of court shall possess all of the powers and authority granted by law to the clerk, and may perform any of the duties and exercise any of the functions of the clerk. Deputy clerks and other employees of a clerk of court are subject to his direction and supervision, and shall perform the duties assigned to them by law, the court, and the clerk. The clerk of court is responsible for the performance or nonperformance of their official duties by his deputies and other employees.
Acts 1976, No. 697, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:425.1. Consolidation of polling places; reduction of voting machines and election officials

RS 18:425.1 - Consolidation of polling places; reduction of voting machines and election officials
A. Notwithstanding the provisions of R.S. 18:424 and 425 or any other provision of law to the contrary, in an election, including the election of any public official, where more than one polling place is within the same location, the parish board of election supervisors may consolidate polling places in that location for that election and may reduce the number of voting machines to be used in the election below the number fixed by R.S. 18:1363 and, in such case, shall notify, in accordance with the time line provided in R.S. 18:1363(H), the parish custodian of voting machines and the secretary of state of the number of machines to be prepared and delivered for the polling places so consolidated.
B. When the parish board of election supervisors consolidates polling places as authorized by Subsection A of this Section, it shall appoint a commissioner-in-charge to serve at each such consolidated polling place and may reduce to not less than two the number of commissioners and alternate commissioners to be appointed to serve at each such polling place.
Acts 1986, No. 705, §1; Acts 2001, No. 451, §6, eff. Jan. 12, 2004; Acts 2017, No. 176, §1, eff. June 14, 2017.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:425.2. Terminated on January 1, 2007. See Acts 2004, No. 693, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2005 and Acts 2004, No. 746, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2005.

RS 18:425.2 - Terminated on January 1, 2007. See Acts 2004, No. 693, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2005 and Acts 2004, No. 746, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2005.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:426. Alternate commissioners; qualifications, powers, and duties; oath and compensation

RS 18:426 - Alternate commissioners; qualifications, powers, and duties; oath and compensation
A. Qualifications. (1) A qualified voter who is not entitled to assistance in voting and is not a candidate in the election may be selected as an alternate commissioner in any precinct of the ward where he is registered to vote, except pursuant to R.S. 18:434(D) in which case he may be selected as a commissioner in any precinct of the parish where he is registered to vote or as otherwise provided in R.S. 18:425(A)(4).
(2)(a) No person shall be selected as a commissioner in a precinct in which a member of his immediate family is a candidate for election to public office.
(b) No person who has been convicted of an election offense enumerated in Chapter 10 of this Title shall be selected as an alternate commissioner.
(c) No person who is required to register as a sex offender or child predator pursuant to R.S. 15:542 may be selected as an alternate commissioner.
(3) A person shall not be selected as an alternate commissioner unless he has attended a course of instruction for commissioners, has received a certificate of instruction during the term of office of the clerk who conducted the course, and has provided his correct party affiliation to the clerk.
(4) A person who is at least seventeen years of age, under the age of eighteen, and is not a qualified voter but is otherwise qualified to serve as an alternate commissioner pursuant to this Subsection may be selected to serve as an alternate commissioner in any precinct of the ward where he may register to vote pursuant to R.S. 18:101(A), provided that the person is enrolled in the twelfth grade of any Louisiana public high school or state-approved nonpublic high school or is participating at the twelfth grade level in a home study program approved by the State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.
B. Powers and duties. An alternate commissioner who replaces an absent or unqualified commissioner shall have the same powers and duties and shall possess the same qualifications as a commissioner. An alternate commissioner who does not replace a commissioner shall have the same powers and duties as a watcher.
C. Oath and compensation. An alternate commissioner who replaces an absent or unqualified commissioner shall, before entering upon the performance of his duties as a commissioner, take the same oath as a commissioner, and he shall receive the same compensation as a commissioner.
Acts 1976, No. 697, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978. Amended by Acts 1977, No. 471, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978; Acts 1981, No. 77, §1, eff. June 26, 1981; Acts 1989, No. 179, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1990; Acts 1993, No. 465, §1; Acts 2004, No. 526, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2005; Acts 2006, No. 403, §1, eff. June 15, 2006; Acts 2023, No. 221, §1, eff. June 8, 2023.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:426.1. Election commissioners; compensation

RS 18:426.1 - Election commissioners; compensation
A. Each commissioner who serves at the polling place on election day shall be paid according to the following:
(1) A commissioner-in-charge shall receive two hundred fifty dollars.
(2) A commissioner-in-charge who serves at more than one precinct shall receive three hundred fifty dollars.
(3) A commissioner who has received a certificate of instruction, as provided in R.S. 18:431(A), shall receive one hundred dollars.
(4) A commissioner who has received a certificate of instruction, as provided in R.S. 18:431(B), shall receive two hundred dollars.
(5) An uncertified commissioner shall receive thirty-five dollars.
B. For an election held within one year following the date of the issuance of any gubernatorial declaration of an emergency, upon application of a parish board of election supervisors, the secretary of state may approve payment of up to one hundred dollars per election or each day of assistance, if applicable, as compensation to each commissioner in addition to compensation provided for in Subsection A of this Section.
Acts 2004, No. 693, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2005; Acts 2007, No. 254, §1, eff. July 1, 2007; Acts 2007, No. 297, §1; Acts 2020, 2nd Ex. Sess., No. 11, §1, eff. Oct. 27, 2020; Acts 2022, No. 423, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:427. Watchers

RS 18:427 - Watchers
A. Qualifications. (1) A qualified voter of the state of Louisiana who is not a candidate in the election may serve as a watcher; however, a watcher who is not a resident of the parish where the watcher serves may not serve as a commissioner.
(2) No person who is required to register as a sex offender or child predator pursuant to R.S. 15:542 may serve as a watcher.
B. Powers and duties. A watcher shall be admitted within all parts of the polling place during the election day and the printing of results from the voting machines, and shall call any infraction of the law to the attention of the commissioners. A watcher may keep notes on the conduct of the election, but he shall not take part in the printing of results from the voting machines. A watcher shall not electioneer, engage in political discussions, or unnecessarily delay a voter at the polling place. A watcher shall be subject to the authority of the commissioners and shall not interfere with the commissioners in the performance of their duties.
C. Number of watchers inside a polling place. If the number of watchers inside a polling place is so great as to interfere with the orderly conduct of the election, the commissioners shall regulate the number of watchers inside the polling place for each precinct so that the election may be conducted in an orderly manner. The watchers shall draw lots under the supervision of the commissioners to determine which watchers shall be the first to wait outside the polling place, but the amount of time each watcher spends inside the polling place shall, as nearly as practicable, be equal.
Acts 1976, No. 697, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978. Amended by Acts 1979, No. 229, §1, eff. July 13, 1979; Acts 1991, No. 201, §1, eff. July 2, 1991; Acts 1995, No. 300, §1, eff. June 15, 1995; Acts 2009, No. 369, §1; Acts 2012, No. 138, §1, eff. May 14, 2012; Acts 2017, No. 176, §1, eff. June 14, 2017; Acts 2022, No. 178, §1, eff. May 31, 2022; Acts 2023, No. 221, §1, eff. June 8, 2023.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:429. Clerk of court; notification of cyber incidents

RS 18:429 - Clerk of court; notification of cyber incidents
A. The clerk of court shall notify the secretary of state, or his designee, by telephone, electronic mail, or facsimile within twenty-four hours following the discovery of a cyber incident that impacts the office of the clerk of court related to any computer system connected to or maintained by the secretary of state.
B. As used in Subsection A of this Section, "cyber incident" means an event that may jeopardize the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of digital information or information systems.
Acts 2020, No. 217, §2.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:431.1. Examinations for courses of instruction

RS 18:431.1 - Examinations for courses of instruction
A. In order to satisfactorily complete the courses of instruction provided for in R.S. 18:431(A) and R.S. 18:433, an applicant for certification shall achieve a minimum score on a written examination as provided in this Section.
B. The secretary of state shall prepare and shall distribute to the several clerks of court the examination to be used for each course of instruction as required by Subsection A of this Section. The secretary of state shall determine the correct answer for each question and shall determine the minimum examination score required for certification.
C. Each examination shall include but shall not necessarily be limited to questions relating to the following subject matters:
(1) Election laws applicable to officials at polling places.
(2) Procedures for the operation and handling of voting machines before, during, and after voting on election day, including the operation of lockouts, recordation and preservation of vote totals, and the locking and sealing of voting machines.
(3) Procedures to be used in processing challenges of voters.
(4) Procedures to be used in preparing, transmitting, and preserving election returns.
(5) Requirements of general election laws which are applicable to commissioners.
(6) Procedures for allowing a person to vote whose name appears on the inactive list of voters.
(7) Procedures for assisting voters with disabilities and requirements to comply with provisions of state and federal law pertaining to the rights of voters with disabilities, including the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, 42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq., as amended.
D. In addition to the requirements set forth in Subsection C above, the examination for the course of instruction provided for in R.S. 18:433(A) shall examine the applicant with respect to procedures pertaining to the powers, functions, duties, and responsibilities of commissioners-in-charge.
Added by Acts 1980, No. 506, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1981. Amended by Acts 1981, No. 77, §1, eff. June 26, 1981; Acts 1988, No. 831, §1; Acts 1994, 3rd Ex. Sess., No. 10, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1995; Acts 2001, No. 451, §1, eff. Jan. 12, 2004; Acts 2023, No. 277, §1, eff. June 9, 2023.
NOTE: See Acts 2001, No. 451, §8(A), relative to effective date.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:436. Election officials at certain special elections

RS 18:436 - Election officials at certain special elections
A. When a special primary election to fill a vacancy or an anticipated vacancy in elective public office is called to be held at the same time as a previously scheduled general election, or if a previously scheduled election is delayed for any reason, the commissioners who were selected to serve at the previously scheduled primary and general election also shall be the commissioners for the special primary and general elections and any such delayed primary or general election, and the compensation for each shall be only that amount provided for in R.S. 18:426.1 for a day of service as a commissioner or commissioner-in-charge. Each candidate to be voted on in the special primary election or delayed primary election may appoint one watcher for each precinct in which that candidate is to be voted on. Notwithstanding the provisions of R.S. 18:427(C) or of any other law to the contrary, the watchers so appointed shall be allowed to remain in the polling place at all times.
B. When a special general election to fill a vacancy or an anticipated vacancy in elective public office is called to be held at the same time as a previously scheduled primary election, the commissioners who were selected to serve at the special primary election for which the special general election is to be held shall also be the commissioners for both the previously scheduled primary and general elections. In such case the compensation for each shall be only that amount provided for in R.S. 18:426.1 for a day of service as a commissioner or commissioner-in-charge.
Added by Acts 1980, No. 792, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1981. Amended by Acts 1981, No. 77, §1, eff. June 26, 1981; Acts 1995, No. 300, §1, eff. June 15, 1995; Acts 2006, No. 560, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2007; Acts 2007, No. 240, §1; Acts 2010, No. 570, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2011.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:443.1. State central committee; composition and apportionment

RS 18:443.1 - State central committee; composition and apportionment
A.(1) The membership of the state central committee of a recognized political party shall be composed of two hundred ten members.
(2) Two members shall be elected from each of the districts from which members of the House of Representatives of the legislature are elected.
(3) Each office for membership on the state central committee shall constitute a separate and distinct office. For the purpose of nomination and election to office, the offices within a district shall be designated alphabetically as Office "A" and Office "B". Office "A" shall be the designated seat for all female candidates for that district. Office "B" shall be the designated seat for all male candidates for that district. Each office within a district shall be arranged separately on the ballot and shall be designated as Office "A" and Office "B". The electors of the district who are qualified to vote for members of the particular state central committee shall elect one member to the state central committee from among the candidates for each office. The successor to any member shall hold the same office as his predecessor.
B. Notwithstanding the provisions of Subsection A of this Section, the membership of the state central committee of a recognized political party may alternatively elect to be composed and apportioned as provided by R.S. 18:443.2.
Added by Acts 1982, No. 672, §2, eff. July 22, 1982; Acts 1985, No. 49, §1; Acts 1987, No. 119, §1, eff. June 18, 1987; Acts 1992, No. 949, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1993; Acts 1995, No. 300, §1, eff. June 15, 1995; Acts 2003, No. 910, §1, eff. July 1, 2003; Acts 2004, No. 526, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2005; Acts 2020, No. 340, §1, eff. June 13, 2020; Acts 2020, No. 350, §1, eff. June 12, 2020.
NOTE: SEE ACTS 1987, NO. 119, §§2, 3 & 4.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:445.1. Political party committees; election

RS 18:445.1 - Political party committees; election
Notwithstanding any other provision in this Part, if the presidential preference primary is repealed, all elections for members of a state central committee or a parish executive committee of a recognized political party shall occur at the same time as the statewide presidential general election.
Acts 1995, No. 300, §1, eff. June 15, 1995.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:446. Candidates for membership on political party committees; method of qualifying for a primary election

RS 18:446 - Candidates for membership on political party committees; method of qualifying for a primary election
A. Candidates for membership on a political party committee are not classified as local candidates. However, a person who desires to become a candidate for membership on a political party committee shall qualify for a primary election by filing the required qualification papers in the manner provided in Part IV of this Chapter for persons who desire to become local candidates.
B. If the committee membership is voted on throughout an entire parish, the candidates shall qualify in the same manner as candidates for a parochial office; if the committee membership is voted on in a special election district, the candidates shall qualify in the same manner as candidates for a district office; and if the committee membership is voted on in a police jury ward or the equivalent subdivision in parishes which have no police jury wards, the candidates shall qualify in the same manner as candidates for a ward office.
Acts 1976, No. 697, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978; Acts 1988, No. 909, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1989.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:447. Parish executive committees; fundraising

RS 18:447 - Parish executive committees; fundraising
A. A parish executive committee of a political party may accept donations, conduct fundraising activities, and accept funds from such activities for the purpose of funding the operation of the committee, in addition to collecting the fees assessed to candidates pursuant to R.S. 18:464.
B. Funds accepted by a parish executive committee pursuant to this Section may be used only as provided in R.S. 18:464(G) for the use of fees received from candidates.
C. Funds accepted by a parish executive committee pursuant to this Section, and the spending of such funds as authorized in this Section, shall be subject to the reporting requirements set forth in Chapter 11 of this Title, and shall be included in the financial statements provided to the legislative auditor and state central committee pursuant to R.S. 18:464(F).
Acts 2001, No. 229, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:448. Vacancies in the state central committee or parish executive committee of a recognized political party

RS 18:448 - Vacancies in the state central committee or parish executive committee of a recognized political party
A. A vacancy in the membership of the state central committee shall be filled as follows:
(1) For membership elected pursuant to R.S. 18:443, the chairman of the state central committee shall appoint a member.
(2) For membership elected pursuant to R.S. 18:443.2, the state central committee shall appoint a member.
B. A vacancy in the membership of a parish executive committee of a recognized political party shall be filled as follows:
(1) For a vacancy in an at-large position, the parish executive committee shall appoint a qualified resident of the parish. If there are not enough members of the parish executive committee to fill the vacancy, the chairman of the state central committee of that political party may appoint a qualified resident of the parish to fill the vacancy.
(2)(a) For a vacancy left by a representative of a district, the parish executive committee shall appoint a qualified resident of the district. If no qualified resident of the district will accept the membership, the committee may appoint any qualified resident of the parish.
(b) If there are not enough members of the parish executive committee to fill the vacancy, the chairman of the state central committee of that political party may appoint a qualified resident of the district to fill the vacancy. If no qualified resident of the district will accept the membership, the chairman of the state central committee of that political party may appoint any qualified resident of the parish to fill the vacancy.
C. The state central committee or parish executive committee shall notify the secretary of state any time a vacancy is filled on the respective committee. The notice shall include the name of the appointed member, the address of his domicile, and the effective date of his appointment.
D. The provisions of Subpart E of Part VI of this Chapter do not apply to the filling of vacancies pursuant to this Part. However, for the purposes of this Part, vacancy has the same meaning as provided in R.S.18:581.
Acts 2023, No. 91, §1, eff. June 6, 2023.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:451. Qualifications of candidates

RS 18:451 - Qualifications of candidates
A person who meets the qualifications for the office he seeks may become a candidate and be voted on in a primary or general election if he qualifies as a candidate in the election. Except as otherwise provided by law, a candidate shall possess the qualifications for the office he seeks at the time he qualifies for that office. In the event that the qualifications for an office include a residency or domicile requirement, a candidate shall meet the established length of residency or domicile as of the date of qualifying, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary. No person, whether or not currently registered as a voter with the registrar of voters, shall become a candidate if he is under an order of imprisonment for conviction of a felony.
Acts 1976, No. 697, §1, Jan. 1, 1978. Acts 1984, No. 672, §1; Acts 2001, No. 172, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:451.1. Local ordinances affecting the qualifications of candidates

RS 18:451.1 - Local ordinances affecting the qualifications of candidates
Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, no ordinance of a local governing authority affecting the qualifications of a candidate for an office shall become effective until such ordinance has been duly adopted, promulgated, and if necessary, has been precleared pursuant to the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and no such ordinance of a local governing authority shall become effective during the period between the opening of the qualifying period and the election of a candidate to such office; however, a local governing authority may provide that such ordinance is effective on a date subsequent to the election of a candidate to such office.
Acts 1997, No. 140, §1; Acts 2003, No. 1022, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:451.2. Qualifications of candidates for sheriff, tax assessor, and clerk of court

RS 18:451.2 - Qualifications of candidates for sheriff, tax assessor, and clerk of court
At the time he files his notice of candidacy, a candidate for sheriff, tax assessor, or clerk of court shall have resided in the state for the preceding two years and shall have been actually domiciled for the preceding year in the parish from which he seeks election. The provisions of this Section shall not affect persons holding office on August 15, 1999.
Acts 1999, No. 1381, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:451.3. Displaced persons seeking to qualify; domicile, residence

RS 18:451.3 - Displaced persons seeking to qualify; domicile, residence
If the qualifications for an office include a residency or domiciliary requirement, any person who is seeking election to such office and who has been involuntarily displaced from his residence or domicile by the effects of a gubernatorially declared state of emergency shall not be considered to have vacated his domicile or residence for purposes of qualifying for and subsequently holding office, unless any of the following is true:
(1) He has established a new domicile.
(2) He has changed his registration to an address outside the voting district in which he seeks election.
(3) One year has passed since the end of the declared state of emergency.
Acts 2006, No. 269, §1, eff. June 8, 2006; Acts 2010, No. 827, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:452. Classification of candidates

RS 18:452 - Classification of candidates
Candidates are classified according to the character of the office they seek and are designated as follows:
(1) State candidates are candidates for offices voted on throughout the state or throughout a congressional district, justice of the supreme court, judge of a court of appeal, and candidates for membership on a state board or commission.
(2) Local candidates are candidates for the state legislature and other district offices not included in Paragraph (1) of this Section; parochial offices, including the office of parish judge; and ward offices.
(3) Municipal candidates are candidates for city, town, and village offices.
Acts 1976, No. 697, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:453. Dual candidacy

RS 18:453 - Dual candidacy
A. General prohibitions. A person shall not become a candidate in a primary or general election for more than one office unless one of the offices is membership on a political party committee, nor shall a person be a candidate at the same time for two or more different offices to be filled at separate elections.
B. Unexpired and succeeding term of office. A person may become a candidate for both the unexpired and the succeeding term of an office.
C. Political party committees. A person may become a candidate in any primary or general election for membership on more than one committee of a political party, but a person may only become a candidate for one position, either at-large or from a political subdivision, on the same committee of a political party.
Acts 1976, No. 697, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978. Acts 1983, No. 519, §1, eff. July 8, 1983; Acts 2006, No. 560, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2007; Acts 2010, No. 570, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2011; Acts 2020, No. 28, §1, eff. June 4, 2020.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:461.1. Ethics education requirement; certification for ethics education

RS 18:461.1 - Ethics education requirement; certification for ethics education
A. Any person who becomes a candidate for statewide elective office or the office of state representative or state senator shall be required to obtain at least one hour of ethics education and training in the same manner as required of public servants by R.S. 42:1170.
B. Each person who has qualified for a statewide elective office or the office of state representative or state senator shall certify that he has obtained at least one hour of ethics education and training as required by this Section by executing the certification designed pursuant to Subsection C of this Section. The certification shall be filed with the Board of Ethics no later than three business days after the close of the qualifying period for such office.
C. The certification required by this Section shall be designed by the Board of Ethics and shall at a minimum include the assertion that all of the statements contained in it are true and correct.
D. The certification form and a notice to the candidate regarding the requirements and the availability of education and training shall be included in the informational packets provided for in R.S. 18:463(D).
Acts 2012, No. 707, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2013.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:462. Officials with whom candidates qualify

RS 18:462 - Officials with whom candidates qualify
A. State candidates shall qualify for a primary election with the secretary of state or a person in his office designated to receive qualifying papers.
B. Local and municipal candidates shall qualify for a primary election with the clerk of court for the parish in which the candidate is registered to vote.
Acts 1976, No. 697, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978; Acts 1991, 1st E.S., No. 1, §1, eff. Sept. 1, 1991.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:466. Time for qualifying in a primary election

RS 18:466 - Time for qualifying in a primary election
A notice of candidacy, accompanied either by the qualifying fee or by a nominating petition, is filed timely only if received by the secretary of state, for state candidates, or by the clerk of court, for local or municipal candidates, during the qualifying period for candidates in the primary election.
Acts 1976, No. 697, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978. Amended by Acts 1979, No. 229, §1, eff. July 13, 1979.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:467. Opening of qualifying period

RS 18:467 - Opening of qualifying period
NOTE: §467 (intro. para.) eff. until Jan. 1, 2026. See Acts 2024, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 1.
The qualifying period for candidates in a primary election shall open:
NOTE: §467 (intro. para.) as amended by Acts 2024, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 2026.
Except as otherwise provided in Part I-A of this Chapter, the qualifying period for candidates in a primary election shall open:
(1) For candidates in a gubernatorial primary election and those in any special primary election to be held at the same time, on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in August of the year of the election.
(2) For candidates in a congressional primary election and those in any special primary election to be held at the same time, on the third Wednesday in July of the year of the election.
(3) For candidates in a primary election for municipal and ward officers who are not elected at the same time as the governor or members of congress in municipalities with a population of less than three hundred thousand and those in any special primary election to be held at the same time, on the last Wednesday in January of the year of the election, unless the primary election is held in a presidential election year; in such case, the qualifying period for candidates in the primary election shall open on the third Wednesday in December of the year prior to the election.
(4) For candidates in a primary election for parochial and municipal officers in a parish containing a municipality with a population of three hundred thousand or more and in which the municipal and parochial elections are held at the same time, on the second Wednesday in July in the year of the election.
(5) For candidates in a presidential primary election, the qualifying period shall open on the third Wednesday in December.
(6) For candidates in a primary election held on the second Saturday in October of 1981 and every fourth year thereafter, on the second Wednesday in July of the year of the election.
Acts 1976, No. 697, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978. Amended by Acts 1977, No. 545, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978; Acts 1978, No. 720, §1; Acts 1979, No. 229, §1, eff. July 13, 1979; Acts 1982, No. 10, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1983; Acts 1984, No. 673, §1, eff. Jan 1, 1985; Acts 1987, No. 831, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1988; Acts 1990, No. 107, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1991; Acts 1991, No. 277, §1; Acts 1992, No. 949, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1993; Acts 1995, No. 1114, §1; Acts 1997, No. 1420, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1998; Acts 2006, No. 560, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2007; Acts 2006, No. 845, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2007; Acts 2007, No. 240, §1; Acts 2010, No. 570, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2011; Acts 2011, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 22, §1; Acts 2011, No. 293, §1; Acts 2013, No. 95, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2015; Acts 2015, No. 307, §§1, 3, eff. June 29, 2015; Acts 2015, No. 410, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2016; Acts 2018, No. 584, §1, eff. May 28, 2018; Acts 2023, No. 91, §1, eff. June 6, 2023; Acts 2024, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 1, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2026.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:467.1. Opening of qualifying period in event of change of date for primary election

RS 18:467.1 - Opening of qualifying period in event of change of date for primary election
In the event that the date for the primary election is advanced in accordance with R.S. 18:402(G), the qualifying period for candidates in the primary election shall be advanced from the date specified in R.S. 18:467 the same number of weeks as the primary election.
Added by Acts 1980, No. 43, §2, eff. June 5, 1980. Acts 1984, No. 673, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1985; Acts 1991, No. 201, §2, eff. Jan. 1, 1992.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:468. Close of the qualifying period

RS 18:468 - Close of the qualifying period
A. The qualifying period for candidates in a primary election shall close at 4:30 p.m. on the Friday after the opening of the qualifying period for candidates in the primary election or, if that Friday is a legal holiday, at 4:30 p.m. on the next day which is not a legal holiday.
B. Notwithstanding the provisions of Subsection A of this Section, the qualifying period for candidates in a gubernatorial primary election and those in any special primary election to be held at the same time shall close at 4:30 p.m. on the Thursday after the opening of the qualifying period.
Acts 1976, No. 697, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978; Acts 1992, No. 949, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1993; Acts 2006, No. 560, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2007; Acts 2010, No. 570, §1. eff. Jan. 1, 2011; Acts 2013, No. 383, §1, eff. June 18, 2013.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:470.1. List of candidates

RS 18:470.1 - List of candidates
The secretary of state shall furnish the Supervisory Committee, Campaign Finance Disclosure Act, an alphabetical listing of the candidates for each of the offices to be voted on in each election. For a primary election, the list shall be furnished no later than five days after the close of the qualifying period for candidates and for a general election, no later than the day after the day on which the primary election returns are promulgated. For purposes of this Section, "candidate" shall be defined as in R.S. 18:1483.
Added by Acts 1980, No. 786, §2, eff. Jan. 1, 1981.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:471. Acts performed with or by clerk of court

RS 18:471 - Acts performed with or by clerk of court
Wherever in this Code any act is required to be performed with or by the clerk of court, such act shall be performed in the office of the clerk and may be performed by or with the clerk of court or any deputy clerk employed by him designated by him for the purpose.
Acts 1976, No. 697, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:481. Candidates who qualify for a general election

RS 18:481 - Candidates who qualify for a general election
The candidates who qualify for each office remaining to be filled in the general election are those who received the two highest numbers of votes, the four highest number of votes, and so on among those not elected in the primary election, until the maximum number of candidates for each office on the general election ballot is reached.
NOTE: §481 as amended by Acts 2024, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 2026.
RS 18:481 - Candidates who qualify for a general election
Except for candidates for a party primary office, the candidates who qualify for each office remaining to be filled in the general election are those who received the two highest numbers of votes, the four highest number of votes, and so on among those not elected in the primary election, until the maximum number of candidates for each office on the general election ballot is reached.
Acts 1976, No. 697, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978; Acts 2005, No. 282, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2006; Acts 2006, No. 560, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2007; Acts 2010, No. 570, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2011; Acts 2024, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 1, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2026.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:482. Number of candidates who may qualify for a general election

RS 18:482 - Number of candidates who may qualify for a general election
Except in the case of a tie vote, the number of candidates for an office who may qualify for the general election is twice the number of persons remaining to be elected to the office.
Acts 1976, No. 697, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:483. Effect of tie vote in a primary election

RS 18:483 - Effect of tie vote in a primary election
If, as a result of a tie vote in a primary election, the number of candidates who would qualify for the general election is more than twice the number of persons remaining to be elected to the office, all of the candidates who received the same number of votes in the primary election qualify for the general election.
Acts 1976, No. 697, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:491. Standing to object to candidacy

RS 18:491 - Standing to object to candidacy
A. A registered voter may bring an action objecting to the candidacy of a person who qualified as a candidate in a primary election for an office for which the plaintiff is qualified to vote.
B. A registered voter may present evidence that a candidate has illegally qualified for elective office. The evidence may be presented to the respective parish district attorney, who may determine whether or not the evidence presented establishes grounds for objecting to such candidacy and if the district attorney makes such a determination he may file an action objecting to candidacy within the time limitation provided in R.S. 18:493.
C. In addition to the persons with standing to bring an action objecting to candidacy as provided in Subsections A and B of this Section:
(1) The Supervisory Committee on Campaign Finance Disclosure shall bring or join in an action objecting to the candidacy of a person who qualified as a candidate in a primary election for an office on the grounds provided in R.S. 18:492(A)(5).
(2) The Board of Ethics shall bring or join in an action objecting to the candidacy of a person who qualified as a candidate in a primary election for an office on the grounds provided in R.S. 18:492(A)(6).
(3) The Board of Ethics shall bring or join in an action filed pursuant to R.S. 18:492(A)(4) on the grounds that the person qualified in violation of R.S. 42:1113(A)(1)(b)(i).
Acts 1976, No. 697, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978; Acts 2003, No. 797, §1; Acts 2004, No. 896, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2005; Acts 2006, No. 560, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2007; Acts 2008, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 16, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2009; Acts 2010, No. 570, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2011; Acts 2015, No. 307, §1, eff. June 29, 2015; Acts 2021, No. 175, §1, eff. June 11, 2021.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:492. Grounds for an objection to candidacy

RS 18:492 - Grounds for an objection to candidacy
A. An action objecting to the candidacy of a person who qualified as a candidate in a primary election shall be based on one or more of the following grounds:
(1) The defendant failed to qualify for the primary election in the manner prescribed by law.
(2) The defendant failed to qualify for the primary election within the time prescribed by law.
(3) The defendant does not meet the qualifications for the office he seeks in the primary election.
(4) The defendant is prohibited by law from becoming a candidate for one or more of the offices for which he qualified.
(5) The defendant falsely certified on his notice of candidacy that he does not owe any outstanding fines, fees, or penalties pursuant to the Campaign Finance Disclosure Act as provided in R.S. 18:463(A)(2).
(6) The defendant falsely certified on his notice of candidacy that he does not owe any outstanding fines, fees, or penalties pursuant to the Code of Governmental Ethics as provided in R.S. 18:463(A)(2).
(7) The defendant falsely certified on his notice of candidacy that for each of the previous five tax years he has filed his federal and state income tax returns, has filed for an extension of time for filing either his federal or state income tax return or both as provided in R.S. 18:463(A)(2), or was not required to file either a federal or state income tax return or both.
B. A violation of R.S. 18:463(A)(1)(c) by an agent shall not constitute ground for objecting to a candidacy pursuant to Paragraph (A)(1) of this Section.
Acts 1976, No. 697, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978; Acts 1999, No. 254, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2000; Acts 2001, No. 47, §1; Acts 2004, No. 896, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2005; Acts 2008, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 16, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2009; Acts 2010, No. 827, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:493. Time for objecting to candidacy

RS 18:493 - Time for objecting to candidacy
An action objecting to candidacy shall be commenced in a court of competent jurisdiction within seven days after the close of qualifications for candidates in the primary election. However, if the time interval ends on a Saturday, Sunday, or other legal holiday, then noon of the next day which is not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday shall be deemed to be the end of the time interval. After the expiration of the time period set forth in this Section, no action shall be commenced objecting to candidacy based on the grounds for objections to candidacy contained in R.S. 18:492 above.
Acts 1976, No. 697, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978; Acts 1992, No. 949, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1993; Acts 2005, No. 431, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2006.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:494. Effect of sustaining an objection to candidacy

RS 18:494 - Effect of sustaining an objection to candidacy
A. Disqualification. When an objection to candidacy is sustained on the ground that the defendant failed to qualify for the primary election in the manner prescribed by law, that the defendant failed to qualify for the primary election within the time prescribed by law, or that the defendant does not meet the qualifications for the office he seeks, the final judgment shall disqualify the defendant as a candidate in the primary election for the office for which he failed to qualify properly.
B. Withdrawal. When an objection to candidacy is sustained on the ground that the defendant is prohibited by law from becoming a candidate for one or more of the offices for which he qualified in the primary election, the final judgment shall order the defendant to remove the grounds for the objection by withdrawing from the primary election for one or more of the offices. If the defendant fails to comply with this judgment within twenty-four hours after it becomes definitive, the court shall render judgment disqualifying the defendant as a candidate for all of the offices for which he qualified in the primary election.
Acts 1976, No. 697, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978.