Big important elections are happening this fall in Louisiana.  We will elect the most powerful political officers in state government. Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Treasurer and Secretary of State.  Significant changes are possible. In fact, things could change big time. Going from a conservative Democrat governor to a ultra conservative Republican governor will drastically impact the state.  Democrats tend to leave budget surpluses, while Republicans leave deficits.  Former Governor Bobby Jindal(R) left nearly a billion-dollar deficit.  Under Gov John Edwards(D) the state was so flush with cash during this last budget cycle, fierce spending battles erupted. So let’s get some election information.

Oddly this year, nearly every statewide seat is open this year.  The primary is October 14^th.  If you are reading this, then you are probably already registered to vote.  But Think504.com readers are not only some of the most intelligent but also the most influential people in the state.  So, let’s get the word out. 

Election Information

All of this information is taken directly from the Orleans Parish Registrar of Voters Website.

​​October 14, 2023 – Gubernatorial Primary Election

The following is important information for the Saturday, October 14, 2023 Gubernatorial Primary Election:  

• The deadline to register to vote in person, by mail or at the OMV Office is Sept. 13.    
• The deadline to register to vote through the GeauxVote Online Registration System is Sept. 23, 2023.
• Early voting is Sept. 30 through Oct. 7 (excluding Sunday, Oct. 1) from 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
• The deadline to request an absentee ballot is Oct. 10 by 4:30 p.m (other than military and overseas voters). You can request an absentee ballot online through our Voter Portal or in writing through your Registrar of Voters Office.
• The deadline for a registrar of voters to receive a voted absentee ballot is Oct. 13 by 4:30 p.m. (other than military and overseas voters).
• On election day, the polls are open from 7 a.m.-8 p.m.

Related: Discriminatory Voting Maps in Louisiana

Absentee Voting

Louisiana offers absentee ballots by mail to voters who will be unable to vote in person. Absentee ballots should be requested as far in advance of the election as possible. When your mail ballot arrives, read it carefully and follow the instructions to complete and return it. Please be aware of standard mail delivery times and the return ballot deadline when applying for a mail ballot to ensure your voted ballot is received by the registrar of voters before the deadline. Completed absentee ballots may only be hand delivered to City Hall or Algiers Courthouse. Hand delivery certification form must be completed if returning a ballot for someone other than yourself.

• The deadline to request an absentee ballot is October 10, 2023 by 4:30 p.m
• The deadline for a registrar of voters to receive a voted absentee ballot is October 13, 2023 by 4:30 p.m.

·        VOTE PROVISIONALLY

• Provisional voting provides a fail-safe procedure for voting in federal elections when any person appears to vote and is not listed as an eligible voter. You must certify in writing on the ballot that you are a registered voter in the parish and are eligible to vote in the election for federal office before voting.
• Provisional voting is not convenience voting, whereby you may appear anywhere in the state and vote and have your vote count. 
• You must be a registered voter in the parish where you vote and eligible to vote in the election for federal office for the provisional ballot to be counted. Therefore, it is recommended that you vote in the precinct and parish where you are registered to vote. 
• If you are in the parish where you are registered to vote and you are voting at the wrong precinct, you may vote a paper provisional ballot for federal offices only after certifying in writing on the ballot that you are eligible to vote. You will not be permitted to vote on the voting machine for state, local or municipal offices; propositions; or state constitutional amendments.

Election Information

• If you are in a precinct that is not in the parish where you are registered to vote, you may vote a paper provisional ballot for federal offices only after certifying in writing on the ballot that you are eligible to vote. You will not be permitted to vote on the voting machine for state, local or municipal offices; propositions; or constitutional amendments
• If you are not registered to vote in Louisiana, and you enter a precinct to vote, you may vote a paper provisional ballot for federal offices only after certifying in writing on the ballot that you are eligible to vote.
• If you cast a paper provisional ballot for federal offices, your provisional ballot may or may not be counted. You must be a registered voter in the parish where you vote and eligible to vote in the election for federal office for your vote to be counted. If you cast a provisional ballot for a U.S. representative, you must be a registered voter in that congressional district.

·        Inactive Voters in Orleans Parish

• If your name appears on the inactive voters list, you are still eligible to vote. However, your registration address must be verified by the Registrar of Voters’ Office.
• If your residential address has changed from the address you used when you registered to vote, you must update your voter registration record. Voters not doing so may be listed as  inactive voters.
• Updates to your residential address can be completed online at www.GeauxVote.com    , at the polls, during early voting, or at the Registrar of Voters’ Office.  Address changes may also be mailed to the Registrar of Voters’ Office in City Hall, Room 1W24, New Orleans, LA 70112.