reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:49.1. Elections compliance unit; powers and duties

RS 18:49.1 - Elections compliance unit; powers and duties
A. An elections compliance unit is created in the Department of State. The purposes of the unit shall be to:
(1) Initiate independent inquiries and conduct independent investigations into allegations of election irregularities in any municipality or parish of the state.
(2) Respond to notifications or complaints alleging election irregularities generated by election officials or any other person.
(3) Review notices and reports of election irregularities and conduct investigations of any incidents that it determines require further investigation.
B. For purposes of investigation, the elections compliance unit shall have the authority to:
(1) Issue subpoenas to compel the production of records and other documents from any registrar of voters.
(2) Receive sworn statements.
C. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, a member of the Elections Compliance Unit, upon the receipt of a complaint of any election irregularity, may enter a polling place during early voting or on election day for the purposes of checking the overall operations of the polling place or investigating any potential violation of the Louisiana Election Code.
D. If during the course of investigation, the elections compliance unit determines that there may be a violation of any criminal law or provision of the Louisiana Election Code, the findings of the investigation shall be turned over to the appropriate prosecutorial agency for further investigation or prosecution.
Acts 2004, No. 517, §2, eff. June 25, 2004; Acts 2010, No. 797, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2011.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:51.1. Manner of appointment of the registrar

RS 18:51.1 - Manner of appointment of the registrar
A. The parish governing authority shall appoint the registrar of voters for the parish in accordance with the provisions of this Section.
B.(1) The parish governing authority shall take all reasonable steps to make as many people in the parish as possible aware of the upcoming appointment of a registrar, including without limitation by issuing press releases to local news services and other media outlets and, if the governing authority has a website, by posting notice on its website.
(2)(a) At a minimum, the parish governing authority shall publish notice of the upcoming appointment together with a request for the submission of applications to fill the office on two separate days at least one week apart in the official journal of the governing authority and in another newspaper with a larger circulation within the parish than the official journal if there is such a newspaper.
(b) The notice shall comply with the following requirements:
(i) Prominent placement in a section other than the classified advertisement or public notice section.
(ii) Formatting in a box with a bolded outline.
(iii) A size of not less than two inches by four inches.
(iv) Print in bold face type.
(c) The notice shall contain the deadline for submitting applications, which shall be no later than seven calendar days following the last day of publication of notice as provided in this Paragraph.
C. In appointing the registrar, the governing authority shall offer to interview each applicant who meets the qualifications provided by law for the office of registrar of voters.
Acts 2016, No. 360, §1, special eff. date.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:52. Qualifications of registrars

RS 18:52 - Qualifications of registrars
A. Each applicant to fill the office of registrar of voters shall be a registered voter. If appointed to fill the office of registrar of voters, the applicant shall become a resident and registered voter of the parish in which he is to perform his duties prior to taking the oath of office. The registrar shall remain a resident and qualified voter of the parish in which he is to perform his duties.
B.(1) The registrar shall possess at least one of the following at the time of appointment:
(a) A baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution and two years of full-time, professional work experience.
(b) An associate degree from an accredited institution and four years of full-time, professional work experience.
(c) Seven years of full-time, professional work experience.
(d) Five years of full-time employment in a registrar's office in Louisiana.
(2) For purposes of this Subsection, "professional work experience" means experience in an occupation which requires specialized and theoretical knowledge usually acquired through college training or through work experience and other training which provides comparable knowledge.
Acts 1976, No. 697, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978; Acts 2016, No. 414, §1, special eff. date.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:53. Tenure; removal from office; may not be own immediate successor

RS 18:53 - Tenure; removal from office; may not be own immediate successor
A. A registrar shall be subject to removal by the State Board of Election Supervisors for willful misconduct relating to his official duty, willful and persistent failure to perform his duty, persistent public conduct prejudicial to the administration of the laws relative to the registration of voters that brings the office into disrepute, or conviction of a felony.
B.(1) A registrar accused of any of the types of conduct set forth in Subsection A of this Section or convicted of a felony shall be subject to immediate suspension from office, with or without pay, by majority vote of the State Board of Election Supervisors.
(2) If the board receives a resolution from a parish governing authority as provided in this Paragraph accusing the parish registrar of any of the types of conduct set forth in Subsection A of this Section, the board shall schedule a hearing on the accusations contained in the resolution within thirty days of the receipt of such resolution. Such resolution must be adopted by a favorable vote of at least two-thirds of the membership of the parish governing authority and transmitted to the chairman of the board by certified mail, return receipt requested. The provisions of this Paragraph shall in no way be construed to limit the powers conferred upon the board by Paragraph (1) of this Subsection.
(3) Prior to removal of a registrar from office, the board shall afford the registrar a hearing in accordance with the provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act.
(4) A registrar may apply for judicial review of an adverse decision of the board by trial de novo, as provided by R.S. 49:978.1, and by appeal, as provided by R.S. 49:979.
C. No registrar who has been removed from office may be reappointed as his own immediate successor.
Acts 1976, No. 697, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978; Acts 1995, No. 747, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:54. Qualification; date; duplicate oath; bond; approval of bond; orientation and training

RS 18:54 - Qualification; date; duplicate oath; bond; approval of bond; orientation and training
A. Within thirty days after the date of his commission, each registrar shall qualify for office by subscribing to the oath of office prescribed by the constitution. The oath shall be filed with the clerk of court, and a duplicate original or a certified copy thereof shall be filed with the secretary of state. In a parish containing a municipality with a population of three hundred thousand or more, the oath shall be filed with the clerk of the civil district court. Each registrar also shall file with the secretary of state a bond, in favor of the governor and with security, for the faithful performance of the duties required of him and for the payment of such damages as may be sustained by his failure to discharge his duties. The sureties on the bond shall be with a company authorized to do business in Louisiana, and in each parish the bond shall be in the amount of five thousand dollars.
B. Each registrar appointed on or after January 1, 2022, shall complete orientation and training prepared by the secretary of state in conjunction with the Registrar of Voters Association and approved by the attorney general. Such orientation and training shall be conducted by the secretary of state.
Acts 1976, No. 697, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978. Amended by Acts 1977, No. 544, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978; Acts 1991, No. 277, §1; Acts 1992, No. 949, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1993; Acts 2011, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 32, §1; Acts 2020, No. 165, §1; Acts 2021, No. 16, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2022.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:56. Salary supplement

RS 18:56 - Salary supplement
The salaries provided by law for the registrar, the chief deputy, and any other unclassified employees may be supplemented by the parish governing authority.
Acts 1976, No. 697, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978; Acts 1991, No. 395, §1, eff. July 1, 1991; Acts 1999, No. 972, §1, eff. July 1, 1999.
{{NOTE: SEE ACTS 1991, NO. 395, §§2 AND 4.}}
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:57. Reduction of compensation while holding office or employment prohibited

RS 18:57 - Reduction of compensation while holding office or employment prohibited
A. The compensation of any registrar, chief deputy, or other unclassified employee which is payable in accordance with the provisions of R.S. 18:55 and 59 shall not be reduced while he holds his office or position, or as a result of promotion.
B. Subsequent to the 1990 federal decennial census, if the most recent population figures referred to in R.S. 18:55(A) and 59(B) and (C) decrease from the prior population figures so as to change the population range of the parish, the registrar of voters, chief deputy, and confidential assistant shall be compensated at the population range for such prior parish population while each holds his office. If the most recent population figures referred to in R.S. 18:55(A) and 59(B) and (C) increase over the prior parish population so as to change the population range of the parish, the registrar of voters, chief deputy, and confidential assistant shall receive an increase in compensation to the nearest step in the new population range or a minimum increase of five hundred dollars for the registrar, three hundred dollars for the chief deputy, and two hundred dollars for the confidential assistant.
Acts 1976, No. 697, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978. Amended by Acts 1978, No. 292, §1, eff. July 6, 1978; Acts 1991, No. 395, §1, eff. July 1, 1991.
{{NOTE: SEE ACTS 1991, NO. 395, §§2 AND 4.}}
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:58. Powers and duties of registrars

RS 18:58 - Powers and duties of registrars
A. Subject to the direction of the secretary of state and as provided by law, the registrar in each parish shall be responsible for the registration of voters in the parish he serves and for the administration and enforcement of the laws and the rules and regulations of the secretary of state relating to the registration of such voters. He shall participate in the state voter registration computer system established pursuant to R.S. 18:31 and shall provide all necessary assistance to the secretary of state to effectuate the inclusion of his parish in that system.
B.(1) The registrar shall be responsible for conducting absentee by mail and early voting in the parish he serves, as provided by Chapter 7 of this Code.
(2) The registrar shall assign voters in the state voter registration computer system according to each voting district in the parish from which an election is to be conducted. For a primary election, the assignment of voters shall be completed on or before the fifth business day prior to the opening of qualifying for the primary election. For a general election, the assignment of voters shall be completed on or before the fifty-first day prior to the general election.
C. The registrar may administer any oath required by Chapters 2, 3, 4, and 7 of this Code.
D.(1) The registrar 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 registrar, including but not limited to a computer system maintained by the secretary of state.
(2) As used in this Subsection, "cyber incident" means an event that may jeopardize the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of digital information or information systems.
E. Repealed by Acts 1994, 3rd Ex. Sess., No. 10, §2, eff. Jan. 1, 1995.
Acts 1976, No. 697, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978. Amended by Acts 1980, No. 506, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1981; Acts 1981, No. 77, §1, eff. June 26, 1981; Acts 1984, No. 672, §1; Acts 1989, No. 574, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1990; Acts 1992, No. 978, §1; Acts 1994, 3rd Ex. Sess., No. 10, §2, eff. Jan. 1, 1995; Acts 1995, No. 312, §2, eff. Jan. 1, 1996; Acts 2001, No. 451, §6, eff. Jan. 12, 2004; Acts 2005, No. 220, §4, eff. Jan.1, 2006; Acts 2014, No. 60, §1, eff. May 16, 2014; Acts 2020, No. 217, §2.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:59.1. Payment of state portion of salaries and expenses of registrars; secretary of state

RS 18:59.1 - Payment of state portion of salaries and expenses of registrars; secretary of state
A. All monies made available from state funds for the payment of the state portion of the salaries and expenses of registrars of voters and their confidential assistants, deputy registrars, and other personnel shall be appropriated to and be paid to each such person by the secretary of state in accordance with each appropriation for the purpose. The secretary of state shall include in his annual budget an amount necessary for the purpose, and the monies so appropriated shall be withdrawn from the treasury upon warrants drawn by the secretary of state and payments therefrom shall be made in accordance with applicable law.
B, C. Repealed by Acts 1985, No. 754, §2.
Added by Acts 1978, No. 292, §1, eff. July 6, 1978; Acts 1985, No. 754, §2; Acts 2001, No. 451, §6, eff. Jan. 12, 2004.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:59.3. Registrar of voters and unclassified employees; increased salary mandated; additional increase authorized

RS 18:59.3 - Registrar of voters and unclassified employees; increased salary mandated; additional increase authorized
A. In addition to any salary authorized by law, each registrar of voters and each of his employees in the unclassified service shall receive a salary increase in an amount equal to five percent of his total salary on the effective date of this Section, such increase to be paid by the state.
B. Each parish governing authority is hereby authorized, pursuant to the authority of this Section and of R.S. 18:56, to approve and pay an additional salary increase to the registrar of voters and each of his employees in the unclassified service, such increase to be in an amount equal to five percent of his total salary on the effective date of this Section and to be paid by the parish governing authority.
Acts 1984, No. 685, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:61. Deputy acting for registrar; administration of oaths

RS 18:61 - Deputy acting for registrar; administration of oaths
A.(1) For the purpose of carrying out the provisions of the constitution and laws relating to registration of voters, and when authorized by the registrar, a deputy registrar may act for and in the name of the registrar by whom he is employed. No clerk or other employee in a registrar's office may register any person to vote unless he meets the qualifications set forth in R.S. 18:59 for deputy registrars and is deputized for the purpose.
(2) A person employed by a registrar as a confidential assistant may be so deputized without losing his status as confidential assistant in the unclassified service by reason thereof as long as he remains employed as confidential assistant, and in such case he shall receive only the salary of confidential assistant.
B. A deputy registrar may administer any oath required by Chapters 2, 3, 4, and 7 of this Code.
C. Repealed by Acts 1994, 3rd Ex. Sess., No. 10, §2, eff. Jan. 1, 1995.
Acts 1976, No. 697, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978. Amended by Acts 1981, No. 77, §1, eff. June 26, 1981; Acts 1989, No. 574, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1990; Acts 1994, 3rd Ex. Sess., No. 10, §§1, 2, eff. Jan. 1, 1995.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:61.1. Repealed by Acts 1994, 3rd Ex. Sess., No. 10, §2, eff. Jan. 1, 1995.

RS 18:61.1 - Repealed by Acts 1994, 3rd Ex. Sess., No. 10, §2, eff. Jan. 1, 1995.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:61.2. Repealed by Acts 1994, 3rd Ex. Sess., No. 10, §2, eff. Jan. 1, 1995.

RS 18:61.2 - Repealed by Acts 1994, 3rd Ex. Sess., No. 10, §2, eff. Jan. 1, 1995.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:62. Political activities prohibited

RS 18:62 - Political activities prohibited
A. No registrar of voters, deputy registrar, or other employee of a registrar who is in the unclassified state service shall participate or engage in: political activity, including his own or any other candidacy for election to public office; membership on any national, state, or local committee of a political party or faction; making or soliciting contributions for any political party, faction, or candidate; taking active part in the management of the affairs of a political party, faction, candidate, or any political campaign, except to exercise his right as a citizen to express his opinion privately and to cast his vote as he desires. As used in this Section, the term "political activity" shall have the meaning ascribed to it in Article X, Section 9(C) of the Constitution of Louisiana.
B. All deputy registrars and other employees of a registrar who are in the classified state service shall be subject to the constitution and laws, and the regulations adopted pursuant thereto, affecting political activities by persons in the classified state service.
Acts 1976, No. 697, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978; Acts 1989, No. 574, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1990; Acts 1994, 3rd Ex. Sess., No. 10, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1995.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:63. Ineligibility to hold elective or appointive public office

RS 18:63 - Ineligibility to hold elective or appointive public office
A registrar, deputy registrar, or employee of a registrar shall not be eligible to hold any elective or appointive public office or position with the United States or the state or any of its agencies or political subdivisions, except as otherwise specifically provided by law.
Acts 1976, No. 697, eff. Jan. 1, 1978.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:64. Attorney general as legal adviser to registrar

RS 18:64 - Attorney general as legal adviser to registrar
The attorney general shall be the attorney and legal adviser to each registrar. However, he may designate the appropriate district attorney to represent a registrar or, with respect to a particular matter he may authorize a registrar to employ special counsel and, subject to approval of the attorney general, fix his compensation, which shall be paid by the parish governing authority.
Acts 1976, No. 697, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:65. Retirement or resignation of a registrar

RS 18:65 - Retirement or resignation of a registrar
A. A registrar who retires or resigns shall file a notice of retirement or resignation with the secretary of state.
B. A notice of retirement or resignation of a registrar shall be in writing, shall be dated, may specify a prospective date on which the retirement or resignation is to be effective, and shall be signed by the registrar and duly acknowledged by him before an officer authorized to administer oaths.
C. Upon receiving a notice of retirement or resignation from a registrar, the secretary of state shall immediately transmit a copy of the notice to the governing authority for the parish of the registrar who filed the notice.
D. A notice of retirement or resignation of a registrar shall not be effective until the original notice of retirement or resignation is received by the secretary of state and shall become irrevocable upon such receipt by the secretary of state.
Acts 2016, No. 281, §1, eff. May 31, 2016.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:66. Mandatory duties of registrar; ministerial character; compelling performance by mandamus or other process; appeal

RS 18:66 - Mandatory duties of registrar; ministerial character; compelling performance by mandamus or other process; appeal
A. Except as otherwise provided by law, the duties of the registrar are ministerial in character and may be compelled by mandamus or other appropriate process or proceeding at the suit of two or more qualified electors of the parish he serves by any district court having jurisdiction of the parties. The proceeding shall be against the registrar as sole defendant and may be instituted and prosecuted without cost in the district court. It shall be heard and determined by preference, in term time or in vacation.
B.(1) An appeal shall be filed in the appropriate appellate court not later than the fifth day after the judgment is rendered and shall be tried on the original records and by preference over all other cases. The appellate court shall render its decision within twenty-four hours after submission.
(2) When the appeal is perfected, the clerk of the district court shall immediately notify the appellate court in writing. The appellate court shall immediately set the appeal for hearing, without waiting for the record actually to be received, and shall hear the case and render its decision without any delay. The appellate court shall convene in special session if necessary to hear the appeal.
(3) The cost of appeals shall be assessed individually against the losing parties. The appellant shall give bond for a sum to be fixed by the court to cover all such costs.
C. No application for rehearing shall be entertained, but the appellate court may, upon its own motion, correct manifest errors to which its attention is called; however, the case shall be reargued in case of a dissent, as required by Section 8 of Article V of the Louisiana Constitution.
D. An application for a writ or writs may be made to the Supreme Court of Louisiana for review of the action or inaction of the trial court or of the court of appeal not later than the fifth day after the action taken or, in the case of inaction, not later than the fifth day after the expiration of the delay lawfully allowed for the court to take the action sought.
Acts 1976, No. 697, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978; Redesignated from R.S. 18:221 by Acts 2017, No. 176, §6, eff. June 14, 2017.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:102. Ineligible persons

RS 18:102 - Ineligible persons
A. No person shall be permitted to register or vote who is:
(1)(a) Under an order of imprisonment, as defined in R.S. 18:2, for conviction of a felony, except as provided in Subparagraph (b) of this Paragraph.
(b) Except as provided in Subparagraph (c) of this Paragraph, a person who is under an order of imprisonment for conviction of a felony and who has not been incarcerated pursuant to the order within the last five years shall not be ineligible to register or vote based on the order.
(c) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person shall be permitted to register or vote pursuant to this Section if he is convicted of a felony offense of election fraud or any other election offense pursuant to R.S. 18:1461.2 and he is under an order of imprisonment.
(2) Interdicted after being judicially declared to be mentally incompetent as a result of a full interdiction proceeding pursuant to Civil Code Article 389. A person subject to a limited interdiction pursuant to Civil Code Article 390 shall be permitted to register and vote unless the court in that proceeding specifically suspends the interdicted person's right to vote in the judgment of interdiction. If a person was previously subject to full interdiction, which has been changed to a limited interdiction, that person shall be eligible to register and vote unless the judgment of limited interdiction specifically suspends that right.
B. Notwithstanding the provisions of Paragraph (A)(1) of this Section or any other provision of law to the contrary, a person who was convicted of a felony prior to the effective date of the 1974 Constitution of Louisiana who has fully satisfied and completed his sentence shall not be ineligible to register to vote, nor shall he be prohibited from voting, based upon that conviction.
C. For purposes of this Chapter, "incarcerated pursuant to the order" means actual confinement in a correctional facility pursuant to the order of imprisonment, including confinement after conviction but prior to sentencing for which the person is given credit in the order and confinement following revocation of probation or parole. "Incarcerated pursuant to the order" does not include confinement pursuant to a violation of a condition of probation or parole that does not result in revocation.
Acts 1976, No. 697, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978. Amended by Acts 1979, No. 229, §1, eff. July 13, 1979; Acts 2003, No. 856, §1, eff. July 1, 2003; Acts 2004, No. 575, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2005; Acts 2018, No. 636, §1, eff. March 1, 2019; Acts 2021, No. 127, §1, eff. Feb. 1, 2022.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:102.1. Persons with intellectual or cognitive disabilities

RS 18:102.1 - Persons with intellectual or cognitive disabilities
A. It is the policy of the state of Louisiana to encourage the full participation in voting by all citizens of this state, including persons with intellectual or cognitive disabilities who have not been declared to be mentally incompetent pursuant to a full interdiction, or whose right to vote has not been suspended by a limited interdiction, regardless of such person's living arrangements, which include but shall not be limited to a group home, long-term care facility, or treatment facility.
B. The Louisiana Department of Health shall promulgate rules and regulations in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act to ensure that persons with intellectual or cognitive disabilities for whom the department provides care and treatment who are not subject to a full interdiction or a limited interdiction in which the right to register and vote has specifically been suspended are permitted to do so in compliance with federal and state laws and regulations. Such rules and regulations shall be proposed within ninety days of the effective date* of this Section and such rules and regulations shall be subject to oversight by the Senate and Governmental Affairs Committee and the House and Governmental Affairs Committee in the manner provided in the Administrative Procedure Act.
Acts 1985, No. 465, §1; Acts 2004, No. 575, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2005; Acts 2009, No. 436, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2010.
*Enacted in 1985
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:105. Establishment of identity; proof of naturalization of foreign-born applicant

RS 18:105 - Establishment of identity; proof of naturalization of foreign-born applicant
A. Except as otherwise provided by the laws governing absentee registration, electronic registration, and mail registration, each applicant shall establish his identity, age, and residency. The registrar or any person authorized to accept voter registration applications shall require the applicant to submit his current Louisiana driver's license, if he has one, or his birth certificate, or other documentation which reasonably and sufficiently establishes the applicant's identity, age, and residency. A birth certificate shall be used only to establish the applicant's identity and age. For the purposes of this Subsection, a short-form birth certification card shall be acceptable as a birth certificate. If the registrar or any person authorized to accept voter registration applications has good reason to believe that the applicant is not the person he represents himself to be or is not qualified to register as provided in R.S. 18:101, he shall require the applicant to produce two witnesses who reside in his precinct to make oath to establish his identity, age, and residency.
B, C. Repealed by Acts 2016, No. 281, §3, eff. May 31, 2016.
Acts 1976, No. 697, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978. Amended by Acts 1979, No. 229, §1, eff. July 13, 1979; Acts 1980, No. 506, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1981; Acts 1982, No. 29, §1, eff. July 9, 1982; Acts 1984, No. 672, §1; Acts 1992, No. 949, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1993; Acts 1994, 3rd Ex. Sess., No. 10, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1995; Acts 2000, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 118, §3, eff. April 19, 2000; Acts 2009, No. 187, §1, eff. April 1, 2010; Acts 2016, No. 281, §3, eff. May 31, 2016.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:106.1. Change of registration for voters with disabilities and documentation establishing disability

RS 18:106.1 - Change of registration for voters with disabilities and documentation establishing disability
A. If a person with a disability who is registered to vote in one parish changes his registration to another parish, he shall be eligible to vote absentee by mail in his new parish of registration without having to submit to the registrar of voters for the new parish additional documentation establishing his disability, provided the person is otherwise qualified to vote and meets one of the following conditions:
(1) Prior to January 1, 2010, the person was approved by a parish board of election supervisors as being eligible to participate in the Special Program for Handicapped Voters as such program existed prior to January 1, 2010.
(2) The person had submitted to the registrar for his previous parish of registration current proof of disability from a physician along with a certification from the physician indicating that by reason of the voter's disability the voter is unable to appear in person to vote either during early voting or at the polling place on election day.
B. The registrar of voters for the new parish of registration shall request a copy of the documentation on file relating to the person's disability from the registrar of voters for the person's previous parish of registration.
Acts 2009, No. 436, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2010; Acts 2014, No. 811, §9, eff. June 23, 2014.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:107. Party affiliation not required for registration; change in party affiliation

RS 18:107 - Party affiliation not required for registration; change in party affiliation
A. An applicant need not be a member of a political party or declare a party affiliation in order to be registered, but in such case the words "no party" or an abbreviation thereof on the application form shall be circled.
B. A registrant may change his party affiliation by making application therefor in writing to the registrar. When he receives the request, the registrar shall note the political party designated by the registrant and the date of the change in the registrant's information on the state voter registration computer system and, if the original application is available in hard copy in the registrar's office, on the original application form.
C. If a registrant has registered without declaration of party affiliation and afterwards desires to affiliate with a party, he shall make written application therefor to the registrar, and the registrar shall enter in the registrant's information on the state voter registration computer system and, if the original application is available in hard copy in the registrar's office, on the original application form, the party the registrant selects and the date of the change.
D. If a registrant has registered with a declaration of party affiliation and afterwards desires to affiliate with no party, he shall make written application therefor to the registrar, and the registrar shall enter in the registrant's information on the state voter registration computer system and, if the original application is available in hard copy in the registrar's office, on the original application form, the words "no party" or an abbreviation thereof and the date of the change.
E. The provisions of Subsections B, C, and D of this Section, relative to party affiliation, shall be subject to the provisions of R.S. 18:135(B).
F. Notwithstanding the provisions of Subsections B and C of this Section, a registrant shall not be designated as being affiliated with more than one party at the same time.
Acts 1976, No. 697, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978. Amended by Acts 1977, No. 544, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978; Acts 1979, No. 229, §1, eff. July 13, 1979; Acts 2009, No. 186, §2, eff. June 29, 2009; Acts 2012, No. 533, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2013; Acts 2017, No. 176, §1, eff. June 14, 2017.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:108. Prior registration; surrender of certificate or notice of registration before new registration; change of place of registration

RS 18:108 - Prior registration; surrender of certificate or notice of registration before new registration; change of place of registration
A. If the registrant's application indicates that the applicant previously registered as a voter in any other parish, and if the previous voter registration certificate or notice of registration is available, then before making a new registration the registrar shall require the applicant to surrender his previous certificate or notice for cancellation. The registrar shall promptly notify the registrar of the parish in which the applicant has registered previously, through the statewide voter registration system, of the present registration. The other registrar shall verify the cancellation of the voter's registration in the other parish; however, the cancellation shall not be made as long as the registrant has the right to vote in the parish of his former residence as provided in R.S. 18:110(C).
B. Notwithstanding the provisions of Subsection A of this Section, the statewide voter registration system may identify a duplicate registration based upon criteria as established by the Department of State. If all criteria correspond exactly, the Department of State or the registrar receiving a new registration shall transfer the registration through the statewide voter registration system to the parish of the registrar receiving the new application, which shall cancel such duplicate registration in the other parish; however, the cancellation shall not be made as long as the registrant has the right to vote in the parish of his former residence as provided in R.S. 18:110(C). The Department of State shall promptly give notice of any cancellation made pursuant to this Subsection to the registrar of the parish in which the applicant was previously registered.
C. For any voter whose registration has been canceled because the voter has registered in another parish or in another state, if such voter makes application to register in the parish in which he was previously registered to vote within three years after the cancellation of his registration in that parish, and the registrar determines that he is qualified to register to vote in that parish, the voter's information in the statewide voter registration system from his previous registration shall be reinstated, except that any necessary changes shall be made to such information, including but not limited to the voter's new address, and he shall receive an updated certificate or notice of registration.
Acts 1976, No. 697, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978. Amended by Acts 1977, No. 544, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978; Acts 1988, No. 909, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1989; Acts 1999, No. 254, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2000; Acts 2001, No. 451, §6, eff. Jan. 12, 2004; Acts 2006, No. 255, §1, eff. June 8, 2006; Acts 2007, No. 240, §1; Acts 2008, No. 136, §1, eff. June 6, 2008.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:109. Notice of registration and change in registration

RS 18:109 - Notice of registration and change in registration
After receiving from the registrar the information concerning a new registrant or a change in name, address, or polling place made with respect to the registration of any person, the Department of State promptly shall deliver a notice to the appropriate registrar that the person is registered or that his registration has been changed. The department shall mail the notice, postage prepaid, to each new registrant and to each person whose registration was changed. The notice shall show the parish, ward, precinct, and registration address of the registrant. The notice shall list an abbreviation of the name of the political party if the registrant is registered as being affiliated with a recognized political party, "other" if the registrant is registered as being affiliated with a political party that is not recognized, or "no party" or an abbreviation thereof if the registrant is registered with no political party affiliation. However, the department shall not be required to send such a notice to any voter who is on the inactive list of voters unless the change in registration involves a change in the voter's address. The secretary of state shall prescribe the form to be used on the notice; however, "Return Service Requested" shall be printed on the front of the notice, and the return address shall be that of the appropriate registrar. When a notice is returned by the postmaster, the registrar shall proceed in accordance with the applicable provisions of Part V of this Chapter.
Acts 1976, No. 697, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978. Amended by Acts 1978, No. 292, §1, eff. July 6, 1978; Acts 1987, No. 831, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1988; Acts 1988, No. 909, §§1 and 2, eff. Jan. 1, 1989; Acts 2001, No. 451, §6, eff. Jan. 12, 2004; Acts 2001, No. 1181, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2002; Acts 2009, No. 369, §1; Acts 2012, No. 138, §1, eff. May 14, 2012; Acts 2012, No. 533, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2013; Acts 2023, No. 91, §1, eff. June 6, 2023.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:111. Change of name

RS 18:111 - Change of name
A. In order to remain a legal registrant, a person who changes his name by virtue of a judgment of court shall produce in the presence of or, if required, file with the registrar or any person authorized to accept voter registration applications a certified copy of the judgment or his affidavit setting forth the pertinent facts containing the change of name.
B. A married woman, at her option, may be registered in her maiden name, her present husband's name, or in a hyphenated combination thereof. If divorced, widowed, or remarried, she may be registered in her maiden name, in the surname of her deceased or former or present husband, or in a hyphenated combination thereof. A change of name allowed by this Subsection shall be made by producing in the presence of the registrar or other person authorized to accept voter registration applications her affidavit stating the name under which she desires to be registered as allowed by this Section.
C. If a registered voter, subsequent to his registration, is no longer capable of signing his name without using a mark, he shall file an affidavit, meeting the requirements of R.S. 18:200, with the registrar of voters attesting to that fact and stating the reason for such a change in signature.
Acts 1976, No. 697, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978; Acts 1988, No. 317, §1; Acts 1994, 3rd Ex. Sess., No. 10, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1995; Acts 2001, No. 1181, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2002; Acts 2003, No. 1220, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2004.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:112. Endorsement of changes

RS 18:112 - Endorsement of changes
Whenever any change is made with respect to the registration of any person, the date of the change and all pertinent information concerning the change shall be entered by the registrar in the registrant's information on the state voter registration computer system. If the original application is available in hard copy in the registrar's office, the document indicating the change shall be attached to the original application for registration and any other official registration records.
Acts 1976, No. 697, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978; Acts 1987, No. 831, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1988; Acts 1988, No. 909, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1989; Acts 2009, No. 186, §2, eff. June 29, 2009; Acts 2013, No. 383, §1, eff. June 18, 2013.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:113. Denial of registration; remedies of applicant

RS 18:113 - Denial of registration; remedies of applicant
A. Any person who alleges that he possesses the qualifications for voting who is denied registration or reinstatement may apply for relief, without cost, to the district court having jurisdiction of civil causes for the district in which he offers to register or seeks to be reinstated.
B. In addition to the rights and remedies established by Subsection A of this Section, a person who violates the provisions of the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 shall be subject to the provisions for enforcement and to the penalties contained in such Act.
Acts 1976, No. 697, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978; Acts 1987, No. 831, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1988; Acts 1994, 3rd Ex. Sess., No. 10, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1995.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:113.1. Denial or cancellation of registration; correction of errors

RS 18:113.1 - Denial or cancellation of registration; correction of errors
If a person's registration was denied or cancelled and the registrar of voters determines that the registration was not processed correctly or was cancelled through an error of the registrar of voters, the registrar of voters shall process and approve the registration or correct the error and reinstate the registration.
Acts 2020, No. 28, §1, eff. June 4, 2020.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:117. Training for accepting voter registration applications

RS 18:117 - Training for accepting voter registration applications
A. The secretary of state in conjunction with the registrars of voters shall be responsible for developing all employee training programs necessitated for acceptance of voter registration applications under the provisions of R.S. 18:114 and 116.
B. The secretary of state in conjunction with the registrars of voters shall be responsible for training those personnel of the Department of Public Safety and Corrections and voter registration agencies responsible for training other personnel in those same agencies.
Acts 1994, 3rd Ex. Sess., No. 10, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1995; Acts 2001, No. 451, §6, eff. Jan. 12, 2004.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:118. Voter registration application form availability; firearm retailers

RS 18:118 - Voter registration application form availability; firearm retailers
A. It is the intention of the legislature to increase the participation in the electoral process by the citizens of the state. Therefore, voter registration application forms, as provided for in this Section, may be made available to purchasers of firearms at the point of purchase from firearm retailers located in the state.
B. For the purposes of this Section:
(1) "Firearm" means any pistol, revolver, rifle, or shotgun that is designed to fire or is capable of firing fixed cartridge ammunition or from which a shot or projectile is discharged by an explosive.
(2) "Firearm retailer" means any retailer who possesses a Type 01 Federal Firearms License and employs twenty-five or more full-time employees.
C. Firearm retailers who make voter registration applications available may register with the secretary of state to receive voter registration information and procedures.
Acts 2013, No. 405, §1, eff. June 19, 2013.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:131. Place of registration; office and mobile registration unit defined

RS 18:131 - Place of registration; office and mobile registration unit defined
A. Except as otherwise provided by law, all acts required for registration shall require the personal appearance of the applicant or registrant and shall be done only in an office of the registrar.
B. For purposes of this Part, "office" includes any branch office or mobile registration unit authorized by law.
C. For purposes of this Part, "mobile registration unit" means an office on wheels or which is portable.
D. No registrar shall have or operate an office unless authorized by state law.
Acts 1976, No. 697, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:132. Offices furnished registrar; supplies; expenses

RS 18:132 - Offices furnished registrar; supplies; expenses
A. Except as otherwise provided by law, the governing authority of each parish shall furnish the office space required by law for the registrar and also shall be responsible for the cost of all equipment and supplies, including all furniture, books, stationery, and other expenses for the operation of each office necessary to enable the registrar fully to discharge his duties. The parish governing authority shall provide space for the registrar's principal office in the courthouse or in a public facility within the parish, and this office shall be accessible and convenient to the residents of the parish. The space to be used for this office shall be specifically designated by the parish governing authority, which shall designate adequate space to enable the registrar to fully discharge his duties. No other official or unit of government shall have authority to designate or allocate such office space. Before the expenses are paid, the registrar shall furnish the head of the parish governing authority a budget of anticipated expenses for each succeeding year.
B. If the office of the registrar is destroyed, inaccessible, or unsafe during or following a gubernatorially declared state of emergency, the registrar may utilize a temporary office to discharge his duties until an office that meets the requirements of this Section becomes available. Such temporary office shall be located within the parish, or if there is no appropriate location within the parish due to the emergency, then in an immediately adjacent parish, or if there is no appropriate location in any immediately adjacent parish due to the emergency, then in the nearest parish in which there is an appropriate location.
Acts 1976, No. 697, §1 eff. Jan. 1978; Acts 2006, No. 403, §1, eff. June 15, 2006; Acts 2020, No. 28, §1, eff. June 4, 2020.