How to Register to Vote in Louisiana
Registering to vote is one of the most basic civic duties that we have, and it's also fairly easy to do. Almost any Louisiana resident can become a voter. By following the steps below carefully, you can ensure that you are registered for the next election you are eligible for, whether it be voting for your next mayor or President of the United States.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Form of picture identification, such as Louisiana Driver's License, Louisiana ID card, or any official documentation that displays your name, address and signature
- Signed affidavit (if you do not have a valid form of picture identification)
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Locate a Voter Registration form. Each parish in Louisiana has its own Registrar of Voters Office where you can find these forms. The office's address and telephone number are listed in your area's phone book. You can also find the registration form online on the Louisiana Secretary of State's Web site or at any Department of Motor Vehicles, Department of Social Services, Armed Forces recruitment offices and any office that services disabled persons.
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2
Ensure you are eligible to vote before completing the application. In order to be eligible, you must be a citizen of the United States and resident of the parish where you are registering to vote, at least 17 years old, and not be under an order of imprisonment for a felony conviction or have had your right to vote suspended by a full or limited interdiction judgment (LA R.S. 18:101).
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3
Have a physical address in the parish in which you are registering to vote. Post office boxes and mail center boxes cannot be used for anything other than as a mailing address. If you were affected by Hurricanes Katrina or Rita in 2005, you can register in the parish of your former residence so long as you have not registered anywhere else since then.
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Mail your completed registration form to the Registrar of Voters office for the parish in which you are applying to vote. You can also turn your completed form into the Registrar of Voters office, or turn it in to the mandated office in which you are receiving other services, such as the Department of Motor Vehicles. If you are applying in person at the Registrar of Voters Office, bring a form of picture identification or an affidavit verifying your identity and address.
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Tips & Warnings
Be sure to register to vote 30 days prior to an election in which you wish to vote. If you are a college student, you can register to vote either in your home parish or in the parish where your college is located as long as you can provide a school address. You do need to re-register each time you move, but you do not need to register for each time you vote so long as you maintain your residency.
You should never pay to register to vote. The right to register is free. If you are not 18 by the next election, you will not be allowed to vote even if you have submitted a Voter Registration form.
