reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:652. Retirements and resignations

RS 18:652 - Retirements and resignations
A. Except for members of the legislature and the congress, all notices of retirements or resignations of elected officials shall be filed with the secretary of state. Notices of retirements and resignations of members of the legislature shall be filed with the presiding officer of the house of the legislature to which the member of the legislature was elected.
B. A notice of retirement or resignation 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 official and duly acknowledged by him before an officer authorized to administer oaths.
Added by Acts 1978, No. 38, §1, eff. May 31, 1978; Acts 1997, No. 1420, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1998; Acts 1999, No. 254, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2000.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:653. Transmission of notices of retirements and resignations

RS 18:653 - Transmission of notices of retirements and resignations
The secretary of state shall immediately transmit notice of retirements or resignations filed with him to the authority required by law to make the appointment to fill the vacancy and to the authority required by law to call the election to fill the vacancy, if said authority is not the same as the authority required to make the appointment.
Added by Acts 1978, No. 38, §1, eff. May 31, 1978; Acts 1999, No. 254, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2000.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:654. Effect of filing of resignations

RS 18:654 - Effect of filing of resignations
A. Except for members of the legislature, a notice of retirement or resignation 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.
B. A notice of retirement or resignation of a member of the legislature shall become irrevocable upon receipt by the presiding officer of the house of the legislature to which the member was elected.
Added by Acts 1978, No. 38, §1, eff. May 31, 1978; Acts 1997, No. 1420, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1998; Acts 1999, No. 254, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2000; Acts 2006, No. 403, §1, eff. June 15, 2006.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:671. Judgment declaring office vacant

RS 18:671 - Judgment declaring office vacant
A. In addition to other procedures authorized by law, an office shall be considered vacant for purposes of this Part when a judgment declaring the office vacant as provided in this Subpart becomes final.
B. For purposes of this Part, "designated domicile" means the residence or domicile stated on an officeholder's notice of candidacy or on the document evidencing the appointment or selection of the officeholder.
C. For purposes of this Part, "proper official" means the district attorney of the officeholder's designated domicile, except that in the case of an officeholder of a state office, as defined in R.S. 18:452, a state legislator, or a district attorney, the proper official shall be the attorney general, provided that in the case of the attorney general, the proper official shall be the district attorney of the Nineteenth Judicial District.
Acts 1988, No. 550, §1, eff. Aug. 1, 1988.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:672. Filing of complaint

RS 18:672 - Filing of complaint
When any voter lawfully registered in the district or geographical area from which an officeholder has been elected, or from which an officeholder has been appointed or otherwise selected to hold an office, has reason to believe that the officeholder no longer meets the residence or domicile requirements of that office, the voter may make a written complaint of that fact to the proper official.
Acts 1988, No. 550, §1, eff. Aug. 1, 1988.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:673. Official's opinion

RS 18:673 - Official's opinion
Within twenty days of the receipt of such written complaint, the proper official shall investigate and provide a written opinion, with reasons, as to whether the officeholder meets the residence or domicile requirements of the office he holds to the complainant and to the legislative or executive agency, board, commission, governing authority, or other body or entity of the state or of any political subdivision, to which the officeholder has been elected or appointed. The opinion shall also be published in the official journal of the parish of the officeholder's designated domicile.
Acts 1988, No. 550, §1, eff. Aug. 1, 1988.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:674. Procedure

RS 18:674 - Procedure
A. The proper official shall institute suit in the district court of the officeholder's designated domicile to obtain a judgment declaring the office vacant within ten days after the issuance of his opinion, if his opinion is that the officeholder no longer meets the residence or domicile requirements of his office. The matter shall be tried by preference over all other matters and, if the court shall find that the officeholder no longer meets the residence or domicile requirements of his office, a judgment shall be rendered declaring the office vacant, and the vacancy may be filled as provided by law.
B. A hearing on the petition for declaration of vacancy shall be held not more than twenty days after service upon the officeholder whose removal is sought. Judgment shall be rendered in the matter within ten days after trial. Either party may appeal the judgment suspensively within five days after the signing of the judgment, by obtaining an order of appeal and posting bond for a sum fixed by the court to secure the payment of costs. The trial judge shall fix the return day at a time not to exceed five days after the granting of the order of appeal. An application to the supreme court for a writ of certiorari may be made only within three days after the signing of judgment by the court of appeal. Each appellate court to which the action is brought shall place the matter on its preferential docket, shall hear it without delay, and shall render a decision within ten days after oral argument. The granting of an order of suspensive appeal or writ of certiorari suspends the effect of the judgment during the pendency of such proceedings.
Acts 1988, No. 550, §1, eff. Aug. 1, 1988.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:675. Subpart not exclusive

RS 18:675 - Subpart not exclusive
The provisions of this Subpart shall not be construed as the exclusive procedure for declaration of vacancy in public office and shall not be construed to repeal any other provision of law for the removal of public officers or declaration of vacancy in public office.
Acts 1988, No. 550, §1, eff. Aug. 1, 1988.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:1251. Election; time of electing

RS 18:1251 - Election; time of electing
A. In every fourth year after an election of a president and vice president of the United States, the electors of president and vice president of the United States, hereinafter referred to as "presidential electors," shall be chosen by election by the qualified electors of the state. The election shall be held on the Tuesday following the first Monday in November and shall be conducted and the returns made in accordance with the provisions of this Title, except insofar as such provisions may conflict with the provisions of this Part.
B. One presidential elector shall be chosen from among the qualified electors of each congressional district and two presidential electors shall be chosen from among the qualified electors of the state at large.
Acts 1976, No. 697, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978. Amended by Acts 1977, No. 588, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:1252. Qualifications

RS 18:1252 - Qualifications
A. No person shall be elected as a presidential elector who is not a qualified elector of the district for which he is chosen, unless he is elected at large, in which case he shall be a qualified elector of the state. A candidate for presidential elector may be registered to vote with or without a declaration of party affiliation.
B. No United States senator, representative in Congress, or person holding an office of trust or profit under the United States shall be elected a presidential elector.
Acts 1976, No. 697, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978. Amended by Acts 1977, No. 588, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:1255. Filing nominating petitions

RS 18:1255 - Filing nominating petitions
A. All nominating petitions of presidential electors shall be filed with the secretary of state during the period beginning on the third Tuesday in July and ending at 4:30 p.m. on the first Friday following the third Tuesday in August of each year in which a presidential election is to be held. The secretary of state shall endorse on the nominating petitions the date and time of filing. Any nominating petitions submitted other than during such period shall be null and void and shall not be accepted by the secretary of state.
B. All nominating petitions filed with the secretary of state shall be open to public inspection, and the secretary of state shall preserve them in his office for at least one year.
Acts 1976, No. 697, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978. Amended by Acts 1980, No. 792, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1981; Acts 1981, No. 76, §1, eff. June 26, 1981; Acts 2009, No. 369, §1; Acts 2013, No. 383, §1, eff. June 18, 2013.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:1256. Withdrawal of candidate

RS 18:1256 - Withdrawal of candidate
A.(1) Any person nominated as a candidate may withdraw his candidacy by written statement of withdrawal made, signed, and acknowledged before an officer qualified to administer oaths. The original of the statement shall be filed prior to 4:30 p.m. on the seventh day after the close of the qualifying period with the secretary of state, who shall note thereon the date it was filed.
(2) The secretary of state shall not accept a statement of withdrawal that does not satisfy the requirements of Paragraph (1) of this Subsection. The secretary of state shall endorse the date and time of receipt of such a notice of withdrawal and return the notice forthwith, either personally or by registered or certified mail.
B. A statement of withdrawal filed in accordance with the provisions of Paragraph (A)(1) of this Section shall become effective on the date of the filing. The effect of the withdrawal shall be as provided in R.S. 18:502.
Acts 1976, No. 697, eff. Jan. 1, 1978; Acts 2015, No. 410, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2016.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:1257. Objections to certificates of nomination, nominating petitions, and notices of candidacy for those qualifying by payment of fee

RS 18:1257 - Objections to certificates of nomination, nominating petitions, and notices of candidacy for those qualifying by payment of fee
Certificates of nomination for presidential electors, nominating petitions filed in apparent conformity with the provisions of this Part, and notice of candidacy filed by slates of candidates who qualify by the payment of a qualifying fee, are deemed to be regular, unless an action objecting to their regularity is commenced as otherwise provided in this Title for contests of candidacy.
Acts 1976, No. 697, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978; Acts 1990, No. 107, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1991.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:1258. Vacancy in nomination; procedure; death of candidate

RS 18:1258 - Vacancy in nomination; procedure; death of candidate
A vacancy by reason of death or withdrawal among the slate of candidates for the office of presidential elector nominated by a recognized political party, whether by a convention or otherwise, shall be filled in the manner which shall be provided by the state central committee of the party. In all other cases, if the candidate who withdrew or died is elected, the remaining presidential electors who are elected shall vote to fill the vacancy as provided in R.S. 18:1264.
Acts 1976, No. 697, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978. Amended by Acts 1977, No. 588, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:1260. Votes for presidential electors

RS 18:1260 - Votes for presidential electors
A vote for a presidential and a vice presidential candidate shall be a vote for each of the electors nominated in support of those candidates, whether by a recognized political party, by a nominating petition, or by the filing of notices of candidacy accompanied by a qualifying fee.
Acts 1976, No. 697, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978. Amended by Acts 1977, No. 588, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978; Acts 1990, No. 107, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1991.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:1261. Determination of election results; tie vote; issuance of certificate

RS 18:1261 - Determination of election results; tie vote; issuance of certificate
A. The secretary of state shall ascertain from the returns the slate of candidates who received the greatest number of votes cast for presidential electors. If two or more of the slates of candidates having the highest number of votes receive the same number of votes, none of the slates of candidates is elected, and the slate of candidates elected shall be selected by a public drawing of lots conducted by the state board of election supervisors from among the slate of candidates who received such highest number of votes in the election. The public drawing of lots shall be conducted at the state capitol on a day and at a time fixed by the board within one week after the results of the election for that office become official. The candidates involved shall be given at least three days' written notice of the time and place of the public drawing of lots.
B. The governor shall issue a certificate of election to the persons elected and authorize them to cast the vote of the state for president and vice president.
Acts 1976, No. 697, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978. Amended by Acts 1977, No. 588, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:1262. Credentials of electors

RS 18:1262 - Credentials of electors
The governor shall transmit the credentials of presidential electors to the appropriate federal officials in the manner provided by the constitution and laws of the United States.
Acts 1976, No. 697, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:1263. Meeting of electors

RS 18:1263 - Meeting of electors
The electors shall meet in the State Capitol in Baton Rouge on the day appointed for their meeting by federal law and shall execute the duties and services enjoined upon them by the constitution and laws of the United States, in the manner therein prescribed. Notice of the time and place of such meeting shall be transmitted to each elector by the secretary of state no later than seven days preceding the day of the meeting.
Acts 1976, No. 697, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:1264. Vacancies; procedure

RS 18:1264 - Vacancies; procedure
If one or more of the presidential electors fails for any cause to attend at the appointed place at 12:00 noon of the day prescribed for their meeting, the other electors shall fill the vacancy by voice vote by no later than 4:00 p.m. Any person selected to fill such a vacancy in the office of presidential elector from a congressional district shall be a qualified elector of the district for which the vacancy occurred.
Acts 1976, No. 697, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:1265. Compensation

RS 18:1265 - Compensation
Presidential electors shall be paid fifty dollars for attendance at the meeting of electors and shall be paid the same mileage allowance as is provided for state officers and employees on official state business. Such compensation and mileage allowance shall be paid out of funds appropriated to the office of the secretary of state for such purpose.
Acts 1976, No. 697, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:1271. Applicable laws

RS 18:1271 - Applicable laws
Except as otherwise specifically provided in this Part, United States senators and representatives in Congress shall be elected as provided in this Title for the election of public officers.
Acts 1976, No. 697, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:1272. United States senators; representatives in congress; time of electing

RS 18:1272 - United States senators; representatives in congress; time of electing
NOTE: Subsection A eff. until Jan. 1, 2026. See Acts 2024, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 1.
A. All general elections for representatives in congress shall be held on the fifth Saturday after the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November in even-numbered years. The primary election shall be held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of an election year.
NOTE: Subsection A as amended by Acts 2024, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 1, eff. Jan. 1, 2026.
A. Elections for representatives in congress shall be held in the manner and at the times provided in this Code.
B. One United States senator shall be elected in the year 1980, and every six years thereafter, at the same time and at the same polling places as representatives in Congress. In the same manner, one United States senator shall be elected in the year 1978, and every six years thereafter.
Acts 1976, No. 697, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978. Amended by Acts 1977, No. 523, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978; Acts 1982, No. 10, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1983; Acts 2006, No. 560, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2007; Acts 2009, No. 369, §1; Acts 2010, No. 570, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2011; Acts 2012, No. 139, §1, eff. May 14, 2012; Acts 2024, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 1, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2026.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:1273. Opening and closing of qualifications for candidates for United States senators and representatives in Congress

RS 18:1273 - Opening and closing of qualifications for candidates for United States senators and representatives in Congress
When a member of the United States Senate or members of the United States House of Representatives are to be elected at the congressional election or at a special election, qualifications for candidates shall open and close as provided in Chapter 5 of this Title.
Acts 1976, No. 697, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:1274. Declaration of candidacy by congressional candidates

RS 18:1274 - Declaration of candidacy by congressional candidates
Any person desiring to become a candidate in a primary election for United States senator or representative in Congress shall file notification of his candidacy and declaration of his qualifications as provided for state candidates in Chapter 5 of this Title.
Acts 1976, No. 697, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:1275. United States senator and representative in Congress; qualifications

RS 18:1275 - United States senator and representative in Congress; qualifications
A. No person shall be a United States senator who has not attained the age of thirty years and who has not been a citizen of the United States for nine years and who is not, when elected, an inhabitant of this state.
B. No person shall be a representative in Congress who has not attained the age of twenty-five years and who has not been a citizen of the United States for seven years and who is not, when elected, an inhabitant of this state.
C. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the qualifications for United States senators and members of the United States House of Representatives as provided in this Section shall be exclusive.
Acts 1976, No. 697, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:1276.3. Repealed by Acts 1994, 2nd Ex. Sess., No. 1, §2, eff. April 25, 1994.

RS 18:1276.3 - Repealed by Acts 1994, 2nd Ex. Sess., No. 1, §2, eff. April 25, 1994.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:1277. Certification of votes cast for United States senator and representative in Congress

RS 18:1277 - Certification of votes cast for United States senator and representative in Congress
Immediately after the results of the election for United States senator and representatives in Congress become official, the secretary of state shall separately certify the votes cast for United States senator and for each representative in Congress who was elected. Each such certificate shall be signed by the governor and by the secretary of state. Thus certifying the election of the persons determined to have been elected, the governor shall cause the seal of the state to be affixed to each certificate. One copy of the appropriate certificate shall be delivered to each person elected. Another copy of the certificate of the election of the United States senator shall be transmitted by the governor to the President of the United States Senate. A copy of each certificate of the election of representatives in Congress shall be transmitted by the governor to the House of Representatives of the Congress of the United States, directed to the clerk thereof.
Acts 1976, No. 697, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:1279. Vacancies; representatives in congress

RS 18:1279 - Vacancies; representatives in congress
When a vacancy occurs in the office of representative in congress, the governor shall determine the dates on which the special elections shall be held and the dates of the qualifying period and shall issue a proclamation ordering a special election and specifying the dates on which the primary and general elections will be held and the dates of the qualifying period for the election. Within twenty-four hours after issuing the proclamation, the governor shall send a copy of the proclamation to the secretary of state, who shall within twenty-four hours of receipt of the information notify all election officials having any duty to perform in connection with a special election to fill such vacancy, including the parish boards of election supervisors for the parish or parishes in which the vacancy occurred. Immediately thereafter the secretary of state shall publish the proclamation in the official journal of each parish in which the election is to be held. The election shall be conducted in the same manner and at the same places and the returns shall be certified as in regular congressional elections. If at a primary or general election in a congressional district one representative in congress is to be elected for a full term and another to fill a vacancy, the ballots containing the names of the candidates shall, as a part of the title of the office, designate the term for which the candidates are respectively nominated.
Acts 1976, No. 697, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978. Amended by Acts 1977, No. 545, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978; Acts 1980, No. 792, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1981; Acts 1981, No. 76, §1, eff. June 26, 1981; Acts 1997, No. 1420, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1998; Acts 2006, No. 560, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2007; Acts 2007, No. 240, §1; Acts 2010, No. 570, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2011; Acts 2022, No. 274, §1, eff. June 3, 2022.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:1280. Contests

RS 18:1280 - Contests
Except as may be otherwise provided by the constitution and laws of the United States, contests of elections under this Part shall be made as provided in this Title for state candidates.
Acts 1976, No. 697, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:1280.21. Presidential preference primary election

RS 18:1280.21 - Presidential preference primary election
A. A statewide presidential preference primary election shall be held on the last Saturday in March in 2024 and every fourth year thereafter for the purpose of allowing the electors of each political party in the state which has forty thousand or more registered members to express their preference for a person to be the nominee of the party for president of the United States.
B. Each elector voting in such election may vote only for a candidate who is affiliated with the same party as the elector, except that the state central committee of a recognized political party may allow in its bylaws, electors who are not affiliated with any political party to cast a vote on the ballot of such recognized political party.
C. The state central committee shall notify the Department of State that its bylaws allow for such voting by non-affiliated electors no later than seven days prior to the opening of qualifying for the presidential preference primary. Such notification shall be considered valid and effective for subsequent presidential preference primaries unless the state central committee notifies the Department of State that its bylaws no longer allow for such voting by non-affiliated electors no later than seven days prior to the opening of qualifying for a presidential preference primary.
D. Any elector who is not affiliated with any political party and who is allowed to cast his vote on the ballot of a recognized political party in the presidential preference primary pursuant to this Section shall cast his vote on the ballot of only one recognized political party.
E.
Repealed by Acts 2021, No. 377, §2, eff. Feb. 1, 2023.
Added by Acts 1979, No. 684, §1, eff. Dec. 1, 1979; S.C.R. No. 4, 1983 2nd Ex. Sess.; Acts 1986, No. 35, §1, eff. June 17, 1986; Acts 1986, No. 427, §1; Acts 2004, No. 678, §1; Acts 2006, No. 845, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2007; Acts 2011, No. 293, §1; Acts 2014, No. 792, §1; Acts 2021, No. 377, §2, eff. Feb. 1, 2023; Acts 2021, No. 381, §1, eff. June 17, 2021.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:1280.21.1. Presidential preference primary election and elections held at the same time in 2020

RS 18:1280.21.1 - Presidential preference primary election and elections held at the same time in 2020
A.(1) Notwithstanding the provisions of R.S. 18:1280.21(A), the statewide presidential preference primary election shall be held on the first Saturday in April in 2020.
(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of R.S. 18:1280.22(B)(1), the qualifying period for presidential candidates in the statewide presidential preference primary election in 2020 shall open on the second Wednesday in January of 2020 and shall close at 4:30 p.m. on the following Friday.
B.(1) Notwithstanding the provisions of R.S. 18:402(C)(1), primary elections for municipal and ward officers who are not elected at the same time as the governor or members of congress shall be held on the first Saturday in April in 2020.
(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of R.S. 18:402(C)(2), general elections for municipal and ward officers who are not elected at the same time as the governor or members of congress shall be held on the fifth Saturday after the first Saturday in April in 2020.
C.(1) Notwithstanding the provisions of R.S. 18:402(E)(1)(c), the first Saturday in March shall not be available for a special primary election in 2020. Instead, the first Saturday in April shall be available for a special primary election pursuant to R.S. 18:402(E)(1) in 2020.
(2) Notwithstanding the provisions of R.S. 18:402(E)(2)(c), if a special primary election is held on the first Saturday in April in 2020, the special general election shall be held on the fifth Saturday after the first Saturday in April in 2020.
D. Notwithstanding the provisions of R.S. 18:402(F)(3), the first Saturday in March, the fifth Saturday after the first Saturday in March, the last Saturday in March, and the fifth Saturday after the last Saturday in March shall not be available for a bond, tax, or other election at which a proposition or question is submitted to the voters in 2020. Instead, the first Saturday in April and the fifth Saturday after the first Saturday in April shall be available for a bond, tax, or other election at which a proposition or question is submitted to the voters in 2020 pursuant to R.S. 18:402(F).
E. Notwithstanding the provisions of R.S. 18:467(3), the qualifying period 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 in 2020 shall open on the second Wednesday in January of 2020.
Acts 2019, No. 374, §1, eff. June 19, 2019.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:1280.23. Conduct of election

RS 18:1280.23 - Conduct of election
Except as otherwise specifically provided in this Part, the election for which provision is made in this Part shall be conducted and the returns thereof published and promulgated as provided in the election laws of the state.
Added by Acts 1979, No. 684, §1, eff. Dec. 1, 1979.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:1280.24. Arrangement of ballot

RS 18:1280.24 - Arrangement of ballot
The ballot for the election provided in this Part shall contain the names of each candidate arranged by party affiliation and placed in alphabetical order within each party.
Added by Acts 1979, No. 684, §1, eff. Dec. 1, 1979; S.C.R. No. 4, 1983 2nd Ex. Sess.; Acts 1986, No. 35, §1, eff. June 17, 1986; Acts 1986, No. 427, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:1280.25. Voting according to party affiliation

RS 18:1280.25 - Voting according to party affiliation
No elector may vote in the election provided in this Part for a candidate affiliated with a party in which the elector is not registered, except as provided in R.S. 18:1280.21.
Added by Acts 1979, No. 684, §1, eff. Dec. 1, 1979; S.C.R. No. 4, 1983 2nd Ex. Sess.; Acts 1986, No. 35, §1, eff. June 17, 1986; Acts 1986, No. 427, §1; Acts 2004, No. 678, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:1280.27. Delegates to political party conventions; selection; oaths; voting; allocation among presidential nominees

RS 18:1280.27 - Delegates to political party conventions; selection; oaths; voting; allocation among presidential nominees
A. Notwithstanding any other provisions of law, at least ninety days prior to a presidential preference primary election, the state governing body of each eligible political party shall establish procedures to be followed in the selection of individual delegates and alternates to the convention of that party, including procedures for the selection of committed and uncommitted delegates. A copy of any rule adopted by the state party committee shall be filed with the secretary of state within seven days after its adoption and shall become public record.
B. Delegates shall be allocated among the presidential candidates according to the results of the presidential primary and according to guidelines established by the governing bodies of the respective parties.
C. Repealed by Acts 1984, No. 672, §3.
Added by Acts 1979, No. 684, §1, eff. Dec. 1, 1979. S.C.R. No. 4, 1983, 2nd Ex. Sess. Acts 1984, No. 672, §1; Acts 1986, No. 35, §1, eff. June 17, 1986; Acts 1986, No. 427, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:1281. Statement of purpose

RS 18:1281 - Statement of purpose
The purpose of this Chapter is to implement Article VI, Section 22 of the Louisiana Constitution of 1974 by establishing a uniform procedure for the conduct of elections to authorize the issuance of bonds, the assumption of indebtedness, and the imposition or increase of taxes by political subdivisions. The procedure for elections set forth in this Chapter shall apply to and shall supersede those provisions of the Louisiana Constitution of 1921 which were continued as statutes under authority of Part II of Article XIV of the Louisiana Constitution of 1974 and existing laws of the state of Louisiana, notwithstanding any contrary provisions contained therein. However, nothing contained in this Chapter shall repeal the limitations in effect on January 1, 1975 on the authority of political subdivisions to impose or increase taxes.
Added by Acts 1977, No. 545, §2, eff. Jan. 1, 1978.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:1282. Political subdivision defined

RS 18:1282 - Political subdivision defined
For purposes of this Chapter, the term "political subdivision" means a state department, agency, board, or commission; a parish; a municipality; a school board and a school district; a levee board and a levee district; a port board and a port commission; a port, harbor, terminal and industrial district; and any special service district, including but not limited to a road, water, sewerage, fire, protection, recreation, gas utility, or garbage district, and any other board, district, or unit of local government authorized by law to conduct elections for the issuance of bonds, the levying or increasing of any tax, or the assumption of indebtedness.
Added by Acts 1977, No. 545, §2, eff. Jan. 1, 1978.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:1283. Elections

RS 18:1283 - Elections
A. In every case in which the provisions of the Louisiana Constitution of 1974 as now existing or hereafter amended, or of law, as now existing or hereafter amended or enacted, requires the approval of voters at an election in a political subdivision as a prerequisite to the issuance of bonds, levying or increasing of any tax, or the assumption of indebtedness by said political subdivision, the election shall be held substantially in accordance with the election laws set forth in Title 18 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, except that the election shall be called, conducted, canvassed, promulgated, and notice thereof given by the governing authority of the political subdivision in accordance with the procedures hereinafter set forth.
B. The governing authority of the political subdivision may call a special election for any of these purposes to be held on any of the dates set forth in R.S. 18:402(F), and it shall call an election for any of these purposes when requested to do so by the petition in writing of one-fourth of the electors qualified to vote at an election.
Added by Acts 1977, No. 545, §2, eff. Jan. 1, 1978.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:1284. Resolution calling election; proposition

RS 18:1284 - Resolution calling election; proposition
A. The election shall be ordered by a resolution of the governing authority of the political subdivision which shall state the purpose for which it is called.
B. If the purpose of the election is to authorize the issuance of bonds, the resolution and the proposition submitted to the voters shall state the purpose for which the bonds are to be issued and, if required by the law pursuant to which the bonds are issued, the estimated millage rate to be levied in the first year of issue, the maximum amount of the bonds to be issued, the number of years for which the bonds are to run, and the maximum rate of interest on the bonds.
C. If the purpose of the election is to authorize the levy or increase of a special tax, the resolution and the proposition submitted to the voters shall state the rate, object, and purpose for which the tax is to be levied or increased; the estimated amount reasonably expected to be collected from the levy or increase of the tax for one entire year at the time it is proposed; and, if it is to be limited as to duration, the number of years it is to run. If the purpose of the election is to authorize an increase of a tax, the resolution and the proposition shall also state the rate increase. The contents of any proposition or resolution relative to the issuance of general obligation bonds shall be as provided in Subsection B of this Section.
D. If the purpose of the election is to authorize the assumption of indebtedness, the resolution and the proposition submitted to the voters shall state the amount and nature of the debt to be assumed.
E. In each election ordered by a governing authority of a political subdivision for the purpose of authorizing the issuance of bonds, the proposition on the ballot submitted to the voters shall state the kind and source of revenues which are pledged to retire the bonds.
F.(1) The preparation of the proposition to be submitted to the voters at an election shall be the responsibility of the governing authority of the political subdivision ordering the election. The proposition shall include the information required by this Section in simple, unbiased, concise, and easily understood language and be in the form of a question. The proposition shall not exceed two hundred words in length and shall not include words that are struck through, underscored, or in boldface type.
(2) The secretary of state shall be responsible for ensuring that the proposition complies with the requirements of this Section.
Added by Acts 1977, No. 545, §2, eff. Jan. 1, 1978. Amended by Acts 1978, No. 292, §1, eff. July 6, 1978; Acts 1983, No. 519, §1, eff. July 8, 1983; Acts 1993, No. 426, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1994; Acts 2003, No. 1220, §1, eff. Jan.1, 2004; Acts 2006, No. 768, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2007; Acts 2008, No. 136, §1, eff. June 6, 2008; Acts 2010, No. 591, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2011; Acts 2012, No. 138, §2, eff. Jan. 1, 2013; Acts 2014, No. 60, §1, eff. May 16, 2014.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:1286. Polling places; election officers

RS 18:1286 - Polling places; election officers
A. When an election called under the provisions of this Chapter is not held at the same time as the election of any public official, the governing authority of the political subdivision ordering the election shall use the established polling places and provide the voting machines and a compiled statement of qualified voters. On or before the twenty-first day prior to such election, the parish board of election supervisors shall appoint the number of commissioners for each precinct as provided in R.S. 18:425(A)(1)(b) and not less than the same number of alternate commissioners for each precinct, all of whom shall meet the qualifications set forth in Part II of Chapter 5 of this Title. The commissioner-in-charge for each precinct at which an election called under the provisions of this Chapter is held shall be the commissioner-in-charge selected or appointed for such precinct under the provisions of Part II of Chapter 5 of this Title.
B. When an election called under the provisions of this Chapter is held at the same time as the election for any public official, the election shall be held solely in compliance with the provisions of Parts II and V of Chapter 5 of this Title, and the commissioners selected for the election for public officials shall be the commissioners for the election called under the provisions of this Chapter and shall only receive the compensation provided for in R.S. 18:424 and R.S. 18:425.
Added by Acts 1977, No. 545, §2, eff. Jan. 1, 1978. Amended by Acts 1978, No. 292, §1, eff. July 6, 1978; Acts 1982, No. 778, §1, eff. Aug. 4, 1982; Acts 1985, No. 754, §1; Acts 1988, No. 907, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1989; Acts 1989, No. 179, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1990; Acts 2003, No. 1220, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2004.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:1286.1. Authority to consolidate polling places; reduction of number of voting machines and election officials

RS 18:1286.1 - Authority to consolidate polling places; reduction of number of voting machines and election officials
A. Notwithstanding any provision of R.S. 18:1286(A), when an election called under the provisions of this Chapter is not held at the same time as the election of any public official, in cases 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. Whenever 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.
Added by Acts 1983, No. 519, §1, eff. July 8, 1983; 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 › §18:1287. Election officers; substitutes

RS 18:1287 - Election officers; substitutes
The commissioner-in-charge and the commissioners shall be present at the polling place at least thirty minutes prior to the time the polls are to open. A commissioner-in-charge who fails to so appear shall be replaced in accordance with R.S. 18:433(H). If any commissioner fails to so appear, or if the number of commissioners present is less than the number necessary to conduct the election as previously established by the governing authority, the commissioner-in-charge shall appoint the necessary number of commissioners in accordance with R.S. 18:434(D)(2).
Added by Acts 1977, No. 545, §2, eff. Jan. 1, 1978. Amended by Acts 1982, No. 778, §1, eff. Aug. 4, 1982.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:1288. Election officers; oaths

RS 18:1288 - Election officers; oaths
Commissioners-in-charge and commissioners shall take the oath or affirmation as provided by R.S. 18:424 and R.S. 18:425. A commissioner may administer any oath and receive any affidavit provided for in this Chapter.
Added by Acts 1977, No. 545, §2, eff. Jan. 1, 1978.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:1289. Penalty for violations

RS 18:1289 - Penalty for violations
A. In elections held under the provisions of this Chapter the commissioners shall have the same powers and duties in conducting the elections and in preserving order at the polls as are conferred and imposed upon similar officers under the provisions of this Title for other elections. Whatever is declared in Chapter 10 of this Title to be a felony, misdemeanor or other crime shall be the same for any election held under the provisions of this Chapter and shall be punished in the same manner.
B. Any willful failure or neglect to comply with the requirements of this Chapter or any willful violation by any officer, agent, or employee of any political subdivision availing itself of the provisions of this Chapter shall be punished by a fine of not less than twenty-five dollars or more than five hundred dollars or by imprisonment not exceeding one year, with or without hard labor, or by both fine and imprisonment.
Added by Acts 1977, No. 545, §2, eff. Jan. 1, 1978.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:1290. Qualification of voters

RS 18:1290 - Qualification of voters
A. All qualified electors of the political subdivision ordering the election shall be entitled to vote in an election on the issuance of bonds, levying or increase of a tax, or the assumption of indebtedness by the political subdivision, and such bonds may be issued, such tax levied or increased, or indebtedness assumed if approved by a vote of a majority in number of the qualified electors voting on the proposition at such election as is provided in this Chapter. No voter shall be required to sign a ballot or vote assessed valuation of property.
B. The registrar of voters shall furnish to the election commissioners appointed to hold the election the precinct register for each precinct or polling place. No defect or irregularity in or omission from the register so furnished shall affect the validity of the election unless it is established that the voters were thereby deprived of votes sufficient in number to have changed the result of the election.
Added by Acts 1977, No. 545, §2, eff. Jan. 1, 1978.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:1291. Voting

RS 18:1291 - Voting
Except as otherwise provided in this Chapter, voting machines shall be used and the election laws of this state applicable to other elections held under this Title shall govern the conduct of the voting in elections held under this Chapter.
Added by Acts 1977, No. 545, §2, eff. Jan. 1, 1978.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:1292. Canvass of returns

RS 18:1292 - Canvass of returns
A. On the date and at the hour and place specified in the notice of election, the governing authority ordering the election, in public session, shall examine and canvass the returns and declare the result of the election.
B.(1) The result shall be promulgated by one publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the political subdivision or, if there is none, in a newspaper of general circulation in the parish or, if there is no newspaper of general circulation in the parish, then in a newspaper of general circulation in an adjoining parish.
(2) The governing authority shall include in the publication, in accordance with Paragraph (1) of this Subsection, a statement of the actual cost of the election as determined by the secretary of state in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 8-A of this Title.
Added by Acts 1977, No. 545, §2, eff. Jan. 1, 1978; Acts 2019, No. 205, §1.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:1293. Proces verbal

RS 18:1293 - Proces verbal
The governing authority ordering the election shall preserve a proces verbal of the canvass. If the election affects ad valorem taxation, the governing authority shall include a copy of the notice of election and proof of publication of the notice in the proces verbal. The governing authority shall forward a copy of the proces verbal to the secretary of state, who shall record it. A copy also shall be forwarded to the clerk of the district court, and in Orleans Parish to the clerk of the civil district court, who shall record it in the mortgage records. A copy shall be retained in the archives of the office of the governing authority ordering the election.
Added by Acts 1977, No. 545, §2, eff. Jan. 1, 1978; Acts 2012, No. 283, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2013.
2023 Louisiana Laws › Revised Statutes › Title 18 - Louisiana Election Code › §18:1294. Contests

RS 18:1294 - Contests
For sixty days after promulgation of the results of an election held under this Chapter to incur debt, issue bonds, levy or increase a tax or assume debt, any person in interest may contest the legality of the election, the bond issue provided for, the tax authorized, or the assumption of indebtedness for any cause. After that time no one shall have any cause or right of action to contest the regularity, formality, or legality of the election, tax provisions, or bond authorization, for any cause whatsoever. If the validity of any election, tax, debt assumption, or bond issue authorized or provided for is not raised within the sixty days, the authority to incur or assume debt, levy the tax, or issue the bonds, the legality thereof, and the taxes and other revenues necessary to pay the same shall be conclusively presumed to be valid, and no court shall have authority to inquire into such matters.
Added by Acts 1977, No. 545, §2, eff. Jan. 1, 1978.