EARLY VOTING BEGINS SATURDAY FOR FEB. 23 ELECTION

BATON ROUGE, La.—Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin is encouraging all eligible Louisianians to consider voting early in the special primary election. Early voting begins Saturday, Feb. 9 and continues through Saturday, Feb. 16 from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, excluding Sunday, Feb. 10.

There are seven state representative seats in this election in districts 12, 17, 18, 26, 27, 47 and 62 in 13 parishes across the state.

Voters should utilize Louisiana’s award-winning smartphone app, GeauxVote Mobile, to find out where to early vote as well as what’s on their ballot. Voters can also access this information in our Voter Portal by visiting https://voterportal.sos.la.gov.

Citizens who want to vote early may do so in person at the parish Registrar of Voters Office or at other designated locations. For a complete listing of early voting locations, visit https://voterportal.sos.la.gov/EarlyVoting.

In addition to a Louisiana driver’s license, a Louisiana Special ID or a generally recognized ID with picture and signature, voters may now use a digital license via LA Wallet, the new smartphone app by the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles. Poll commissioners have received training regarding the digital license as an acceptable form of picture ID.

Election Day for the special primary is Saturday, Feb. 23 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

For more information, contact the Elections Division by calling 800.883.2805 or emailing elections@sos.la.gov.

- www.sos.la.gov -

Special Primary Election for State Representative, 12th, 17th, 18th, 26th, 27th, 47th and 62nd Representative Districts (Calcasieu, Cameron, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberville, Lincoln, Ouachita, Pointe Coupee, Rapides, Union, Vermilion, West Baton Rouge and West Feliciana parishes)

The following is important information for the Feb. 23, 2019 Special Primary Election:

• The qualifying period is Jan. 9-11. Local and municipal candidates qualify with the clerk of court in the parish in which they are registered to vote (contact your local clerk of court for office hours). State candidates qualify in the executive offices of Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin at 8585 Archives Ave. in Baton Rouge between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Qualifying fees must be paid in the form of cash; certified or cashier's check on a state or national bank or credit union; U.S. postal money order; or money order issued by a state or national bank or credit union and must be accompanied by the qualifying form.
• The deadline to register to vote in person or by mail is Jan. 23.
• The deadline to register to vote through the GeauxVote Online Registration System is Feb. 2.
• Early voting is Feb. 9-16, except Sunday, Feb. 10, from 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
• The deadline to request an absentee by mail ballot is Feb. 19 by 4:30 p.m. Voters can request an absentee by mail ballot online through our Voter Portal or in writing through their Registrar of Voters Office (other than military and overseas voters).
• The deadline for a registrar of voters to receive a voted mail ballot is Feb. 22 by 4:30 p.m. (other than military and overseas voters).

The following is important information for the March 30, 2019 Municipal Election:

• The qualifying period is Jan. 30-Feb. 1. Local and municipal candidates qualify with the clerk of court in the parish in which they are registered to vote (contact your local clerk of court for office hours). State candidates qualify in the executive offices of Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin at 8585 Archives Ave. in Baton Rouge between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Qualifying fees must be paid in the form of cash; certified or cashier's check on a state or national bank or credit union; U.S. postal money order; or money order issued by a state or national bank or credit union and must be accompanied by the qualifying form.
• The deadline to register to vote in person or by mail is Feb. 27.
• The deadline to register to vote through the GeauxVote Online Registration System is March 9.
• Early voting is March 16-23 (except Sunday, March 17) from 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
• The deadline to request an absentee by mail ballot is March 26 by 4:30 p.m. You can request an absentee by mail ballot online through our Voter Portal or in writing through your Registrar of Voters Office (other than military and overseas voters).
• The deadline for a registrar of voters to receive a voted mail ballot is March 29 by 4:30 p.m. (other than military and overseas voters).

SECRETARY OF STATE PARTNERS WITH YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS ACADEMY OF BATON ROUGE

BATON ROUGE, La.—Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin and staff are partnering with the Young Entrepreneurs Academy of Baton Rouge (YEA BR) as the program’s 8-12th grade students launch their own businesses. Commercial Division Director Carla Bonaventure and staff will be on hand during the Jan. 30 session at 5:30 p.m. at LSU’s Business Education Complex to help students register their businesses through the secretary of state’s geauxBIZ Portal.

“Just as we educate youth about the importance of elections and voting, it is equally important to give them the tools they need to be successful in business,” Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin said. “I am pleased to work with the Academy and excited to see what the future holds for these students’ businesses.”

Staff will assist 18 students navigating the Portal to complete their business filings. Student CEOs are expected to secure limited liability companies, name reservations and trade names.

Young Entrepreneurs Academy of Baton Rouge transforms area high school students into confident entrepreneurs. Over the academic year, and under the instruction of the LSU E. J. Ourso College of Business, select students generate business ideas, write business plans, pitch to an investor panel for seed money and actually launch their very own companies. YEA BR combines a proven national curriculum with the experiences of Baton Rouge business leaders, educators, community members and entrepreneurs. To learn more about YEA BR, please visit www.yeabr.org.

- www.sos.la.gov -

UNDERSECRETARY SHANDA JONES HONORED FOR SERVICE

BATON ROUGE, La.—Undersecretary of Management and Finance Shanda Jones was recognized Friday by the Louisiana Civil Service League with the 2018 Charles E. Dunbar Career Civil Service Award. The Dunbar Award is the highest honor classified state employees can receive for their service to the citizens of Louisiana.

Jones began her classified service as an accountant manager at the Department of State. She came to the agency with unclassified service from both the Louisiana Legislative Fiscal Office and Louisiana State University. During her tenure at the Department, she has served as the administrator of the Accounting Division and head of the Accounting and Purchasing divisions. Most recently, Jones returned to unclassified service as undersecretary of management and finance.

“I am so proud to see one of our employees honored with this prestigious award,” Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin said. “Shanda exemplifies a model civil servant and encourages those around her to strive for the same level of professionalism.”

Among her many accomplishments, Jones transformed the Accounting Division into a more strategic, analytical division by encouraging her staff at paraprofessional levels to complete college coursework to become eligible for professional level positions. Because her employees took the opportunity, all non-professional positions were eliminated leaving the agency with a full professional accounting staff.

Since the inception of the program more than 50 years ago, more than 800 classified public employees have been awarded the Dunbar Award. The Louisiana Civil Service League bestows the award on local, state and municipal civil service employees who distinguish themselves through unselfish service to the citizens of Louisiana.

- www.sos.la.gov -

ELECTION DAY REMINDERS

BATON ROUGE, La.—Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin is reminding voters in Union Parish that Saturday, Jan. 12 is Election Day. The only race on the ballot is for the District 3 alderman in the Town of Bernice.

In preparation for Saturday’s Election Day activities, Secretary Ardoin is encouraging voters to remember:

• Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. Anyone in line at 8 p.m. will be allowed to vote.
• Voters can find their polling location and sample ballot by downloading the GeauxVote Mobile app for smartphones or by visiting www.GeauxVote.com.
• Voters can also sign up for text alerts via GeauxVote Mobile.
• Voters should bring an ID with them to vote (Louisiana driver’s license, Louisiana Special ID card, a generally recognized picture identification card with name and signature such as a passport or a digital license via LA Wallet). Voters without an ID will be required to fill out an affidavit, but will be allowed to vote.
• Election results can be viewed in real-time via GeauxVote Mobile or the secretary of state’s website at www.sos.la.gov.

For more information, contact our Elections Division at 800.883.2805 or elections@sos.la.gov.

- www.sos.la.gov -

Act 425 of the 2018 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature requires that lists of absentee by mail and early voters be posted on the secretary of state's website.

The names of voters includes those who voted in person during early voting and those whose absentee ballots have been received by the registrar of voters. This list of voters does not account for subsequent changes, if any, made by a registrar. Those changes will be found on the cumulative report at the end of early voting.

EARLY VOTING BEGINS SATURDAY FOR JAN. 12 ELECTION

BATON ROUGE, La.—Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin is encouraging all eligible Louisianians to consider voting early in the special general election in Union Parish. Early voting begins Friday, Dec. 28 and continues through Saturday, Jan. 5 from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, excluding Sunday, Dec. 30, Monday, Dec. 31 and Tuesday, Jan. 1. Voters will be electing an alderman in District 3 in the Town of Bernice.

Voters should utilize Louisiana’s award-winning smartphone app, GeauxVote Mobile, to find out where to early vote as well as what’s on their ballot. Voters can also access this information in our Voter Portal by visiting https://voterportal.sos.la.gov.

Citizens who want to vote early may do so in person at the parish Registrar of Voters Office or at other designated locations. For a complete listing of early voting locations, visit https://voterportal.sos.la.gov/EarlyVoting.

In addition to a Louisiana driver’s license, a Louisiana Special ID or a generally recognized ID with picture and signature, voters may now use a digital license via LA Wallet, the new smartphone app by the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles. Poll commissioners have received training regarding the digital license as an acceptable form of picture ID.

For more information, contact the Elections Division by calling 800.883.2805 or emailing elections@sos.la.gov.

- www.sos.la.gov -

Delta Music Museum
Thursday, Dec. 27-Friday, Dec.28

Louisiana State Cotton Museum
Monday, Dec. 17-Wednesday, Jan. 2

Louisiana's Old State Capitol
Saturday, Dec. 22-Tuesday, Jan. 15

ELECTION DAY REMINDERS

BATON ROUGE, La.—Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin is reminding everyone that Saturday, Dec. 8 is Election Day. There are 134 candidate runoffs in 47 parishes across the state. Of the remaining 17 parishes, eight only have secretary of state on the ballot and nine have secretary of state and a proposition on the ballot.

In preparation for Saturday’s Election Day activities, Secretary Ardoin is encouraging voters to remember:

• Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. Anyone in line at 8 p.m. will be allowed to vote.
• Voters can find their polling location and sample ballot by downloading the GeauxVote Mobile app for smartphones or by visiting www.GeauxVote.com.
• Voters can also sign up for text alerts via GeauxVote Mobile.
• Voters should bring an ID with them to vote (Louisiana driver’s license, Louisiana Special ID card, a generally recognized picture identification card with name and signature such as a passport or a digital license via LA Wallet). Voters without an ID will be required to fill out an affidavit, but will be allowed to vote.
• Election results can be viewed in real-time via GeauxVote Mobile or the secretary of state’s website at www.sos.la.gov.

“We’re expecting turnout to be around 18 to 20 percent. Even though congressional elections are over, there are still important candidate races and propositions on the ballot. I hope every Louisiana voter will participate in tomorrow’s election.”

For more information, contact our Elections Division at 800.883.2805 or elections@sos.la.gov.

 - www.sos.la.gov -

SECRETARY OF STATE TO TEST ELECTION RESULTS

BATON ROUGE, La.—Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin’s office will test its electronic election results system on Tuesday, Dec. 4 at 2 p.m. During the test period, mock results will be displayed on the secretary of state’s website. These election results are only for testing purposes and do not reflect any actual results.

Media outlets are strongly urged to test their election night broadcast systems, graphics and websites so that any technical issues can be identified and remedied with assistance from the secretary of state’s IT staff prior to election night.

In preparation for election night, media outlets should reserve their seat at the Secretary of State’s Office if they are interested in watching results via our Elections Registration Information Network. This seat can also serve as a backup for your election night plans.

If any issues are encountered, to sign up for the XML feed or to reserve a seat at ERIN, please contact Brandee Patrick in the Communications Office at 225.362.5111 (office), 225.328.2977 (cell) or brandee.patrick@sos.la.gov.

Finally, the Communications Office for Election Day will be staffed by Public Information Director Brandee Patrick and Press Secretary Tyler Brey. Patrick can be reached at the information listed above. Brey can be reached at 225.362.5086 (office), 443.605.7870 (cell) or tyler.brey@sos.la.gov.

- www.sos.la.gov -

TOMORROW LAST DAY FOR EARLY VOTING IN DEC. 8 ELECTION

BATON ROUGE, La.—Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin is reminding all eligible voters to take advantage of early voting. The last day of early voting will be Saturday, Dec. 1 from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“Many Louisianians have already cast their ballot during early voting ahead of Election Day,” said Secretary Ardoin. “While mid-term congressional elections are decided, I still encourage all Louisianians to exercise their right to vote.”

There are 134 candidate runoffs in 47 parishes across the state. Of the remaining 17 parishes, eight only have secretary of state on the ballot and nine have secretary of state and a proposition on the ballot.

Voters should utilize Louisiana’s award-winning smartphone app, GeauxVote Mobile, to find out where to early vote as well as what’s on their ballot. Voters can also access this information in our Voter Portal by visiting https://voterportal.sos.la.gov.

Citizens who want to vote early may do so in person at the parish Registrar of Voters Office or at other designated locations. For a complete listing of early voting locations, visit https://voterportal.sos.la.gov/EarlyVoting.

In addition to a Louisiana driver’s license, a Louisiana Special ID or a generally recognized ID with picture and signature, voters may now use a digital license via LA Wallet, the new smartphone app by the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles. Poll commissioners have received training regarding the digital license as an acceptable form of picture ID.

Election Day for the open general/special primary is Saturday, Dec. 8 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

For more information, contact the Elections Division by calling 800.883.2805 or emailing elections@sos.la.gov.

- www.sos.la.gov -

EARLY VOTING BEGINS SATURDAY FOR DEC. 8 ELECTION

BATON ROUGE, La.—Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin is encouraging all eligible Louisianians to consider voting early in the open general/special primary election. Early voting begins Saturday, Nov. 24 and continues through Saturday, Dec. 1 from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, excluding Sunday, Nov. 25.

“The holidays are here, so many voters will need to take advantage of early voting due to additional commitments,” said Secretary Ardoin. “Voters don’t need an excuse to take advantage of early voting, and I hope they will remember the importance of their vote.”

There are 134 candidate runoffs in 47 parishes across the state. Of the remaining 17 parishes, eight only have secretary of state on the ballot and nine have secretary of state and a proposition on the ballot.

Voters should utilize Louisiana’s award-winning smartphone app, GeauxVote Mobile, to find out where to early vote as well as what’s on their ballot. Voters can also access this information in our Voter Portal by visiting https://voterportal.sos.la.gov.

Citizens who want to vote early may do so in person at the parish Registrar of Voters Office or at other designated locations. For a complete listing of early voting locations, visit https://voterportal.sos.la.gov/EarlyVoting.

In addition to a Louisiana driver’s license, a Louisiana Special ID or a generally recognized ID with picture and signature, voters may now use a digital license via LA Wallet, the new smartphone app by the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles. Poll commissioners have received training regarding the digital license as an acceptable form of picture ID.

Election Day for the open general/special primary is Saturday, Dec. 8 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

For more information, contact the Elections Division by calling 800.883.2805 or emailing elections@sos.la.gov.

 - www.sos.la.gov -

• The deadline to register to vote in person or by mail is Nov. 7.
• The deadline to register to vote through the GeauxVote Online Registration System is Nov. 17.
• Early voting is Nov. 24-Dec. 1 (except Sunday, Nov. 25) from 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
• The deadline to request an absentee by mail ballot is Dec. 4 by 4:30 p.m. Voters can request an absentee by mail ballot online through our Voter Portal or in writing through your Registrar of Voters Office (other than military and overseas voters).
• The deadline for a registrar of voters to receive a voted mail ballot is Dec. 7 by 4:30 p.m. (other than military and overseas voters).

• Dec. 8, 2018
  Open General/Congressional/Special Primary
• Jan. 12, 2019
  Special General
• Feb. 23, 2019
  Special Primary
• March 30, 2019
  Municipal Primary
• May 4, 2019
  Municipal General
• Oct. 12
  Gubernatorial Primary
• Nov. 16
  Gubernatorial General

ELECTION DAY REMINDERS

BATON ROUGE, La.—Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin is reminding everyone that Tuesday, Nov. 6 is Election Day. Eligible voters will be casting ballots for a variety of candidate races as well as constitutional amendments and propositions statewide. Since this is a Tuesday election, the polls open at 6 a.m.

In preparation for Tuesday’s Election Day activities, Secretary Ardoin is encouraging voters to remember:

• Polls open at 6 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. Anyone in line at 8 p.m. will be allowed to vote.
• Voters can find their polling location and sample ballot by downloading the GeauxVote Mobile app for smartphones or by visiting www.GeauxVote.com.
• Voters can also sign up for text alerts via GeauxVote Mobile.
• Voters should bring an ID with them to vote (Louisiana driver’s license, Louisiana Special ID card, a generally recognized picture identification card with name and signature such as a passport or a digital license via LA Wallet). Voters without an ID will be required to fill out an affidavit, but will be allowed to vote.
• Election results can be viewed in real-time via GeauxVote Mobile or the secretary of state’s website at www.sos.la.gov.

“Statewide turnout is only anticipated to reach between 30 and 35 percent, so I’m strongly urging voters in Louisiana to get out and cast a ballot in this important election,” said Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin. “Choosing congressional and statewide representation is critical to our state and something we should all weigh in on by voting.”

For more information, contact our Elections Division at 800.883.2805 or elections@sos.la.gov.

- www.sos.la.gov -

• The deadline to register to vote in person or by mail is Oct. 9. (Deadline advanced one day because of Columbus Day holiday.)
• The deadline to register to vote through the GeauxVote Online Registration System is Oct. 16.
• Early voting is Oct. 23-30 (except Sunday, Oct. 28) from 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
• The deadline to request an absentee by mail ballot is Nov. 2 by 4:30 p.m. Voters can request an absentee by mail ballot online through our Voter Portal or in writing through your Registrar of Voters Office (other than military and overseas voters).
• The deadline for a registrar of voters to receive a voted mail ballot is Nov. 5 by 4:30 p.m. (other than military and overseas voters).

SECRETARY OF STATE TO TEST ELECTION RESULTS

BATON ROUGE, La.—Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin’s office will test its electronic election results system on Wednesday, Oct. 31 at 2 p.m. During the test period, mock results will be displayed on the secretary of state’s website. These election results are only for testing purposes and do not reflect any actual results.

Media outlets are strongly urged to test their election night broadcast systems, graphics and websites so that any technical issues can be identified and remedied with assistance from the secretary of state’s IT staff prior to election night.

In preparation for election night, media outlets should reserve their seat at the Secretary of State’s Office if they are interested in watching results via our Elections Registration Information Network. This seat can also serve as a backup for your election night plans.

If any issues are encountered, to sign up for the XML feed or to reserve a seat at ERIN, please contact Brandee Patrick in the Communications Office at 225.362.5111 (office), 225.328.2977 (cell) or brandee.patrick@sos.la.gov.

Finally, the Communications Office for Election Day will be staffed by Public Information Director Brandee Patrick and Press Secretary Tyler Brey. Patrick can be reached at the information listed above. Brey can be reached at 225.362.5086 (office), 443.605.7870 (cell) or tyler.brey@sos.la.gov.

- www.sos.la.gov -

TOMORROW LAST DAY FOR EARLY VOTING IN FALL PRIMARY ELECTION

BATON ROUGE, La.—Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin is reminding all eligible voters to take advantage of early voting. The last day of early voting will be Tuesday, Oct. 30 from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“Many Louisianians have already cast their ballot during early voting ahead of Election Day,” said Secretary Ardoin. “These are important mid-term elections, and I encourage all Louisianians to exercise their right to vote.”

Voters should utilize Louisiana’s award-winning smartphone app, GeauxVote Mobile, to find out where to early vote as well as what’s on their ballot. Voters can also access this information in our Voter Portal by visiting https://voterportal.sos.la.gov. Across the state, ballot items include candidate races, constitutional amendments and local and parish propositions.

Citizens who want to vote early may do so in person at the parish Registrar of Voters Office or at other designated locations. For a complete listing of early voting locations, visit https://voterportal.sos.la.gov/EarlyVoting.

In addition to a Louisiana driver’s license, a Louisiana Special ID or a generally recognized ID with picture and signature, voters may now use LA Wallet, the new smartphone app by the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles. Poll commissioners have received training regarding the digital license as an acceptable form of picture ID.

Election Day for the open general/congressional/special primary is Saturday, Dec. 8.

For more information, contact the Elections Division by calling 800.883.2805 or emailing elections@sos.la.gov.

- www.sos.la.gov -

EARLY VOTING BEGINS TOMORROW FOR FALL ELECTION CYCLE

BATON ROUGE, La.—Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin is encouraging all eligible Louisianians to consider voting early in the open primary/congressional election. Early voting begins Tuesday, Oct. 23 and continues through Tuesday, Oct. 30 from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, excluding Sunday, Oct. 28.

“Since Election Day is on a Tuesday, many voters will need to take advantage of early voting due to weekday commitments,” said Secretary Ardoin. “Voters don’t need an excuse to take advantage of early voting, and I hope they will remember the importance of their vote.”

Voters should utilize Louisiana’s award-winning smartphone app, GeauxVote Mobile, to find out where to early vote as well as what’s on their ballot. Voters can also access this information in our Voter Portal by visiting https://voterportal.sos.la.gov. Across the state, ballot items include candidate races, constitutional amendments and local and parish propositions.

Citizens who want to vote early may do so in person at the parish Registrar of Voters Office or at other designated locations. For a complete listing of early voting locations, visit https://voterportal.sos.la.gov/EarlyVoting.

In addition to a Louisiana driver’s license, a Louisiana Special ID or a generally recognized ID with picture and signature, voters may now use LA Wallet, the new smartphone app by the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles. Poll commissioners have received training regarding the digital license as an acceptable form of picture ID.

Election Day for the open general/congressional/special primary is Saturday, Dec. 8.

For more information, contact the Elections Division by calling 800.883.2805 or emailing elections@sos.la.gov.

- www.sos.la.gov -

SECRETARY ARDOIN CONFIRMS NO BREACH OF VOTER REGISTRATION DATABASE

BATON ROUGE, La.—Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin is confirming that there has been no breach to Louisiana’s voter registration system, the Elections Registration Information Network. Because the system has not been compromised, no personally identifying information has been released.

Allegations of Louisiana’s statewide voter registration list being sold on the Dark Web surfaced this week. Our office, in conjunction with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Election Infrastructure Information Sharing and Analysis Center, verified that the list is a commercially available document anyone can purchase from our office. This list does not include any private, identifiable information.

“Our priority, as we’ve demonstrated in the past, will always be to protect voters’ personal information,” Secretary Ardoin said. “In no uncertain terms has Louisiana’s voter registration database been breached, and it remains my priority to ensure it doesn’t happen on my watch.”

The Secretary of State’s Office is constantly working to strengthen security in all areas of elections including physical and cyber security. Secretary Ardoin recently created a new position, chief information security officer, to continue our quest to protect Louisiana’s voters. We have also established relationships with federal partners to keep abreast on security related issues and share best practices.

- www.sos.la.gov -

SECRETARY ARDOIN TAKES ACTION TO ALLOW FIRST RESPONDERS TO VOTE

BATON ROUGE, La.—Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin is taking action to allow first responders to exercise their right to vote due to their absence in response to Hurricane Michael. La. R.S. 18:1308(A)(j)(ii) gives the secretary of state the authority to take all actions necessary to allow registered voters, who are unable to vote during early voting or on Election Day due to out-of-state work relating to a declared emergency, the chance to vote.

“As chief elections officer, it’s my duty to make sure every registered voter in Louisiana has the opportunity to vote,” Secretary Ardoin said. “These first responders are helping rebuild communities in other states, leaving their families behind. I want to thank them for their service and assure them that their vote matters.”

First responders will need to contact the Secretary of State’s Office to request an absentee by mail ballot. The deadline for first responders to request an absentee ballot is Monday, Nov. 5 at 4:30 p.m. A voted ballot must be returned by 8 p.m. on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 6.

For more information, contact the Elections Division by calling 800.883.2805 or emailing elections@sos.la.gov.

- www.sos.la.gov -

The Secretary of State's Office has produced a poster entitled "Securing Your Vote." The poster provides an overview of Louisiana's election process, gives examples of cybersecurity threats and mitigation and outlines how to recognize and report an incident. Aside from being posted here on our website, the posters will be at all clerks of court offices, registrars of voters offices and at polling locations during early voting and on Election Day.

If you have any questions regarding this poster, or elections in general, contact our Elections Division at 800.883.2805 or elections@sos.la.gov.

SECRETARY ARDOIN ANNOUNCES CREATION OF CYBERSECURITY POSITION

BATON ROUGE, La.—Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin has announced the creation of a cybersecurity position. The chief information security officer will serve as the principal advisor to Secretary Ardoin on all information technology policy, legislation and all matters related to cybersecurity. The chief information security officer will be an asset to the agency, as the security of elections continues to be of the utmost importance.

Current Information Technology Division Director Scott Mayers has been tapped to serve as the inaugural chief information security officer. Mayers will supervise the daily operation of the IT Division with the added responsibility of identifying, designing and implementing cybersecurity initiatives. He will also represent the State of Louisiana on a national level in communication with the National Association of Secretaries of State, the federal government and other partners.

“I am pleased to elevate Scott to this position,” Secretary Ardoin said. “He not only offers a vast knowledge of information technology and cybersecurity, but invaluable institutional knowledge as well. This new position is yet another integral tool to keep Louisiana’s elections safe and secure.”

Cybersecurity came to the forefront of national news following reported election data breaches and allegations of election interference by foreign operatives during the 2016 presidential election. Louisiana has not been affected by any of these incidents, yet the Secretary of State’s Office remains vigilant and focused on continuing to maintain the highest levels of election integrity.

For more information about the Secretary of State’s Office, call 225.922.2880 or visit www.sos.la.gov.

- www.sos.la.gov -

SECRETARY ARDOIN WARNS OF POTENTIAL VOTER REGISTRATION SCAM

BATON ROUGE, La.—Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin is warning voters to be aware of who they discuss their private information with in light of a potential voter registration scam that surfaced this week. While our office has not received reports of the potential scam in Louisiana, election officials in several states have confirmed residents receiving calls impersonating an organization that provides voter registration assistance.

The callers are offering to register residents over the phone, and in some cases, to send the voter an absentee ballot. In Louisiana, residents cannot register to vote or request an absentee ballot by phone. Both registration and requesting an absentee ballot can be done online, in person or by mail.

“Voter registration by a third party is legal in Louisiana; however, in light of this potential scam, I am encouraging those who want to register to vote to do so online or to contact their parish registrar of voters,” Secretary Ardoin said. “As we work daily to combat election related threats, it is more important than ever for residents to use trusted sources such as the Secretary of State’s Office and the Registrars of Voters’ Offices.”

This potential scam comes just as the deadlines to register for the Nov. 6 open primary/congressional election approach. The deadline to register by mail or in person is Oct. 9, and the deadline to register online is Oct. 16.

Residents can register to vote online at www.GeauxVote.com; at parish Registrars of Voters’ Offices; when they apply for/renew their driver’s license at any Office of Motor Vehicles; when obtaining services at public assistance agencies and Armed Forces recruitment offices; or by mail. Citizens wishing to register by mail can download and print the application at http://www.sos.la.gov/ElectionsAndVoting/PublishedDocuments/ApplicationToRegisterToVote.pdf, or complete an application found at public libraries or through registration drives.

For more information about registering to vote, or to report a potential voter registration scam, contact the Elections Division by phone at 225.922.0900 or email elections@sos.la.gov.

- www.sos.la.gov -

VOTER REGISTRATION WEEK 2018 BEGINS SEPT. 24

BATON ROUGE, La.—Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin is joining registrars of voters across the state the week of Sept. 24-28, 2018 to host Voter Registration Week activities aimed at registering eligible citizens to vote. The next regularly scheduled election in Louisiana is the congressional primary on Tuesday, Nov. 6. Louisiana’s registration push also coincides with National Voter Registration Day on Tuesday, Sept. 25.

“The first step to participating in the electoral process is registering to vote,” said Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin. “This fall, Louisianians will choose their congressional representation, as well as a host of other local races and propositions. Get registered today so your voice can be heard on Election Day.”

Louisiana was one of the first states in the nation to implement an easy, convenient online voter registration portal. Citizens with a valid Louisiana driver’s license or Louisiana Special ID card can register online 24 hours a day, seven days a week from the convenience of their home or office by visiting https://voterportal.sos.la.gov.

Residents of Louisiana can also register in person at their parish Registrar of Voters Office, when they apply for/renew their driver’s license at any Office of Motor Vehicles or when obtaining services at public assistance agencies and Armed Forces recruitment offices. Citizens wishing to register by mail can download and print the application at http://www.sos.la.gov/ElectionsAndVoting/PublishedDocuments/ApplicationToRegisterToVote.pdf, or complete an application found at public libraries or through registration drives.

To register and vote in Louisiana individuals must:

·      be a U.S. citizen;
·      be at least 17 years old (16 years old if registering in person at the Registrar of Voters Office or at the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles) to register and 18 years old prior to the next election to vote;
·      not be under an order of imprisonment for conviction of a felony;
·      not be under a judgment of full interdiction for mental incompetence or partial interdiction with suspension of voting rights;
·      be a resident in the state and parish in which you seek to register and vote;
·      apply at least 20 days prior to an election if registering online or 30 days prior to an election if registering in person or by mail.

For a complete listing of activities in individual parishes, visit https://www.sos.la.gov/Pages/NewsAndEvents.aspx#faq206.

- www.sos.la.gov -

Assumption Parish

• Monday, Sept. 24
  Assumption High School (staff and students only during lunch hours)
• Tuesday, Sept. 25 from 10:30 a.m.-noon
  Bayou L'Ourse Supermarket
• Wednesday, Sept. 26 from 10:30 a.m.-noon
  Pierre Part Library
• Thursday, Sept. 27 from 9:30-11 a.m.
  Spur 70 between Rouse's and Dollar General
• Thursday, Sept. 27 from 1-2:30 p.m.
  Labadieville Library
• Friday, Sept. 28 from 10-11:30 a.m.
  Big B's Supermarket

• Tuesday, Sept. 25 at 8:15 a.m.
  Castor High School
• Tuesday, Sept. 25 at 8:35 a.m.
  Castor Branch Library
• Tuesday, Sept. 25 at 10 a.m.
  Saline High School
• Tuesday, Sept. 25 at 10:30 a.m.
  Saline Branch Library
• Wednesday, Sept. 26 at 8:15 a.m.
  Ringgold High School
• Wednesday, Sept. 26 at 9 a.m.
  Courthouse Annex
• Friday, Sept. 28 at 9:45 a.m.
  VF Factory Outlet Mall
• Friday, Sept. 28 at 10:15 a.m.
  Arcadia High School

• Monday, Sept. 24 from 9:30-11:30 a.m.
  Haughton Library, 226 W. McKinley St., Haughton, LA 71037
• Monday, Sept. 24 from 1-3 p.m.
  Anna P. Tooke Library, 451 Fairview Point Road, Elm Grove, LA 71051
• Tuesday, Sept. 25 from 2-4 p.m.
  Plain Dealing Library, 208 E. Mary Lee St., Plain Dealing, LA 71064
• Wednesday, Sept. 26 from 9 a.m.-noon
  Council on Aging, 706 Bearkat Drive, Bossier City, LA 71111
• Wednesday, Sept. 26 from 2-3:30 p.m.
  Aulds Library, 3920 Wayne Ave., Bossier City, LA 71112
• Thursday, Sept. 27 from 10 a.m.-noon
  Northwest Louisiana Veterans Home, 3130 Arthur Ray Teague Parkway, Bossier City, LA 71112
• Thursday, Sept. 27 from 1:30-3:30 p.m.
  Central Library, 2600 Beckett St., Bossier City, LA 71111
• Friday, Sept. 28 from 2:30-4:30 p.m.
  Benton Library, 115 Courthouse Drive, Benton, LA 71006

Caddo Parish

• Monday, Sept. 17 from 9:30-11 a.m.
  Cedar Grove Branch, 8303 Line Ave.
• Monday, Sept. 17 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
  Hollywood/Union Branch, 2105 Hollywood Ave.
• Monday, Sept. 17 from 2-3:30 p.m.
  Mooretown Branch, 4360 Hollywood Ave.
• Tuesday, Sept. 18 from 9:30-11 a.m.
  Atkins Branch, 3704 Greenwood Road
• Tuesday, Sept. 18 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
  West Shreveport Branch, 4300 Pines Road
• Tuesday, Sept. 18 from 2-3:30 p.m.
  Hamilton/South Caddo Branch, 2111 Bert Kouns Industrial Loop
• Wednesday, Sept. 19 from 9:30-11 a.m.
  Vivian/North Caddo Branch, 615 N. Pine St.
• Wednesday, Sept. 19 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
  North Shreveport Branch, 4844 N. Market St.
• Wednesday, Sept. 19 from 2-3:30 p.m.
  David Raines Library, 2855 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive
• Thursday, Sept. 20 from 9:30-11 a.m.
  Wallette Branch, 363 Hearne Ave.
• Thursday, Sept. 20 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
  Atkins Branch, 3704 Greenwood Road
• Thursday, Sept. 20 from 2-3:30 p.m.
  Broadmoor Resource Center, 1212 Captain Shreve Drive
• Friday, Sept. 21 from 9:30-11 a.m.
  Cedar Grove Branch, 8303 Line Ave.
• Friday, Sept. 21 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
  Hollywood/Union Branch, 2105 Hollywood Ave.
• Friday, Sept. 21 from 2-3:30 p.m.
  Mooretown Branch, 4360 Hollywood Ave.
• Monday, Sept. 24 from 9:30-11 a.m.
  Wallette Branch, 363 Hearne Ave.
• Monday, Sept. 24 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
  West Shreveport Branch, 4300 Pines Road
• Monday, Sept. 24 from 2-3:30 p.m.
  Hamilton/South Caddo Branch, 2111 Bert Kouns Industrial Loop
• Tuesday, Sept. 25 from 9:30-11 a.m.
  Hollywood/Union Branch, 2105 Hollywood Ave.
• Tuesday, Sept. 25 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
  Cedar Grove Branch, 8303 Line Ave.
• Tuesday, Sept. 25 from 2-3:30 p.m.
  Broadmoor Resource Center, 1212 Captain Shreve Drive
• Wednesday, Sept. 26 from 9:30-11 a.m.
  Vivian/North Caddo Branch, 615 N. Pine St.
• Wednesday, Sept. 26 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
  North Shreveport Branch, 4844 N. Market St.
• Wednesday, Sept. 26 from 2-3:30 p.m.
  David Raines Library, 2855 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive
• Thursday, Sept. 27 from 9:30-11 a.m.
  Hamilton/South Caddo Branch, 2111 Bert Kouns Industrial Loop
• Thursday, Sept. 27 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
  West Shreveport Branch, 4300 Pines Road
• Thursday, Sept. 27 from 2-3:30 p.m.
  Mooretown Branch, 4360 Hollywood Ave.
• Friday, Sept. 28 from 9:30-11 a.m.
  Atkins Branch, 3704 Greenwood Road
• Friday, Sept. 28 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
  Wallette Branch, 363 Hearne Ave.
• Friday, Sept. 28 from 2-3:30 p.m.
  Broadmoor Resource Center, 1212 Captain Shreve Drive

Cameron Parish

• Monday, Sept. 24 from 9-11 a.m.
  Hackberry Library
• Monday, Sept. 24 from 1:30-3:30 p.m.
  Johnson Bayou Library
• Tuesday, Sept. 25 from 9-11 a.m.
  Grand Lake Library
• Tuesday, Sept. 25 from 1:30-3:30 p.m.
  Lowry Library
• Wednesday, Sept. 26 from 1-3 p.m.
  Cameron Library
• Friday, Sept. 28 from 10 a.m.-noon
  Grand Chenier Library

 Claiborne Parish

• Monday, Sept. 24 at 10:30 a.m.
  Council on Aging, 608 E. Fourth St., Homer
• Tuesday, Sept. 25 from 10 a.m.-noon
  Joe Webb Memorial Library, 1919 Main St., Haynesville
• Wednesday, Sept. 26 from 10-11 a.m.
  Junction City Town Hall, 106 W. Third St., Junction City
• Thursday, Sept. 27 from 10-11 a.m.
  Athens Village Hall, 15327 Highway 9, Athens

• Monday, Sept. 24 from 1-6 p.m.
  Bluebonnet Regional Branch Library, 9200 Bluebonnet Blvd.
• Monday, Sept. 24 from 1-6 p.m.
  Scotlandville Branch Library, 7373 Scenic Highway
• Tuesday, Sept. 25 from 1-6 p.m.
  Central Branch Library, 11260 Joor Road
• Tuesday, Sept. 25 from 1-6 p.m.
  Fairwood Branch Library, 12910 Old Hammond Highway
• Tuesday, Sept. 25 from 1-6 p.m.
  Zachary Branch Library, 1900 Church St.
• Wednesday, Sept. 26 from 1-6 p.m.
  Carver Branch Library, 720 Terrace St.
• Wednesday, Sept. 26 from 1-6 p.m.
  Delmont Gardens Branch Library, 3351 Lorraine St.
• Wednesday, Sept. 26 from 1-6 p.m.
  Main Library, 7711 Goodwood Blvd.
• Thursday, Sept. 27 from 1-6 p.m.
  Pride-Chaneyville Branch Library, 13600 Pride-Port Hudson Road
• Thursday, Sept. 27 from 1-6 p.m.
  Eden Park Branch Library, 5131 Greenwell Springs Road
• Thursday, Sept. 27 from 1-6 p.m.
  Greenwell Springs Road Regional Branch Library, 11300 Greenwell Springs Road
• Friday, Sept. 28 from 1-6 p.m.
  Jones Creek Regional Branch Library, 6222 Jones Creek Road
• Friday, Sept. 28 from 1-6 p.m.
  Baker Branch Library, 3501 Groom Road

Grant Parish

• Monday, Sept. 24 from 8-9:30 a.m.
  Montgomery High School
• Monday, Sept. 24 from 9:40-11 a.m.
  Montgomery Post Office
• Tuesday, Sept. 25 from 1:30-3 p.m.
  Colfax Post Office
• Wednesday, Sept. 26 from 8-9:30 a.m.
  Bentley Post Office
• Wednesday, Sept. 26 from 9:40-11
  Dry Prong Post Office
• Thursday, Sept. 27 from 8-11 a.m.
  Grant High School
• Friday, Sept. 28 from 8:30-10 a.m.
  Pollock Post Office
• Friday, Sept. 28 from 10:30-noon
  Woods Haven Nursing Home
• Friday, Sept. 28 from 12:30-2 p.m.
  Georgetown Post Office

Iberville Parish

• Tuesday, Sept. 25 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
  White Castle Branch Library
• Wednesday, Sept. 26 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
  Maringouin Branch Library
• Wednesday, Sept. 26 from 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
  Iberville Parish Registrar of Voters Office

Jefferson Parish

• Monday, Sept. 24-Friday, Sept. 28 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
  Lakeside Shopping Center Mall, 3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie
• Monday, Sept. 24-Friday, Sept. 28 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
  East Jefferson Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie
• Monday, Sept. 24-Friday, Sept. 28 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
  Oakwood Shopping Center Mall, 197 Westbank Expressway, Gretna
• Monday, Sept. 24-Friday, Sept. 28 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
  West Jefferson Regional Library, 2751 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey
• Registration applications are available at all Jefferson Parish public libraries and at the following locations:
  Kenner City Hall, 1801 Williams Blvd., Kenner
  Harahan City Hall, 6437 Jefferson Highway, Harahan
  Gretna City Hall, 200 Huey P. Long Ave., Gretna
  Westwego City Hall, 419 Avenue A, Westwego

Lafayette Parish

• Monday, Sept. 17 from 11 a.m.
  Citizenship Day at University of Louisiana at Lafayette Edith Garland Dupre' Library, 400 E. St. Mary Blvd., Lafayette
• Monday, Sept. 24 from 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
  Carencro City Hall, 210 E. Saint Peter St., Carencro
• Tuesday, Sept. 25 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
  East Regional Library, 215 La Neuville Road, Youngsville
• Wednesday, Sept. 26 from 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
  Scott City Hall, 125 Lion's Club Road, Scott
• Thursday, Sept. 27 from 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
  Duson Post Office, 501 First St., Duson
• Monday, Sept. 24-Friday, Sept. 28 from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
  Lafayette Parish Registrar of Voters Office, 1010 Lafayette St., Suite 313, Lafayette

Lafourche Parish

• Thursday, Sept. 20 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
  Grand Opening/Open House at new early voting location, 4876 Highway 1, Mathews
• Monday, Sept. 24 from 9 a.m.-noon
  Open House at Galliano office, 16241 E. Main St., Suite B-23, Galliano
• Tuesday, Sept. 25 at noon
  Voter registration drive/voting information at Gheens Senior Citizens Center, 1783 Highway 654, Gheens
• Wednesday, Sept. 26 from 9 a.m.-noon
  Open House at Thibodaux office, 307 W. Fourth St., Thibodaux
• Thursday, Sept. 27 from 9-11 a.m.
  Voting machines/voter registration drive at voting machine warehouse, 1450 Tiger Drive, Thibodaux
• Friday, Sept. 28 from 9:30-11:30 a.m.
  Voter registration drive/voting information at South Lafourche Library, 16241 E. Main St., Galliano

Natchitoches Parish

• Monday, Sept. 24
  Lakeview High School
• Tuesday, Sept. 25
  Natchitoches Central
• Wednesday, Sept. 26
  St. Mary's
• Tuesday, Oct. 2
  Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts

Orleans Parish

• Monday, Sept. 24 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
  Nora Navra Library, 1902 St. Bernard Ave.
• Monday, Sept. 24 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
  Loyola University, Dana Student Center, 6363 St. Charles Ave.
• Monday, Sept. 24 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
  Delgado Westbank, LaRocca Building 3
• Monday, Sept. 24 from noon-1:30 p.m.
  St. Mary's Academy, 6905 Chef Menteur Highway
• Tuesday, Sept. 25 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
  Milton H. Latter Library, 5120 St. Charles
• Tuesday, Sept. 25 from 10 a.m.-noon
  Daughter of Charity Health, 3201 S. Carrollton
• Tuesday, Sept. 25 from 10 a.m.-noon
  Daughter of Charity Health, 5630 Read Blvd.
• Tuesday, Sept. 25 from noon-4 p.m.
  Main Library, 219 Loyola Ave.
• Tuesday, Sept. 25 from 2-4 p.m.
  Chateau de Notre Dame, 2832 Burdette St.
• Wednesday, Sept. 26 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
  East New Orleans Library, 5641 Read Blvd.
• Wednesday, Sept. 26 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
  University of New Orleans, University Center, 2000 Lake Shore Drive
• Wednesday, Sept. 26 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
  University of Holy Cross, 4123 Woodland Drive
• Wednesday, Sept. 26 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
  Vayla, 13235 Chef Menteur Highway
• Wednesday, Sept. 26 from noon-1:30 p.m.
  St. Augustine High School, 2600 AP Turead Ave.
• Thursday, Sept. 27 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
  Tulane School of Social Work, 127 Elk St.
• Thursday, Sept. 27 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
  Algiers Regional Library, 3014 Holiday Drive
• Thursday, Sept. 27 from 10 a.m.-noon
  Woldenberg Village, 3701 Behrman Place
• Thursday, Sept. 27 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
  Dillard University, Kabacoff Plaza, 2601 Gentilly Blvd.
• Thursday, Sept. 27 from noon-2 p.m.
  Edna Karr High School, 3332 Huntlee Drive
• Friday, Sept. 28 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
  Norman Mayer Library, 3001 Gentilly Blvd.
• Friday, Sept. 28 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
  3001 Gentilly Blvd.
• Friday, Sept. 28 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
  Navy Base, 400 Russell Ave., Building 46
• Friday, Sept. 28 from 10 a.m.-noon
  City Hall, main entrance
• Friday, Sept. 28 from 10:30 a.m.-noon
  Citizen Ceremony
• Friday, Sept. 28 from 2-3 p.m.
  Unlimited Styles & Kutz, 9511 Chef Menteur Highway

Rapides Parish

• Monday, Sept. 24 at 9 a.m.
  Rapides Parish Senior Citizen's Center, 209 E. Shamrock St., Pineville
• Monday, Sept. 24 at 1 p.m.
  Ball Senior Citizen Center, 100 Municipal Lane, Ball
• Tuesday, Sept. 25 at 10 a.m.
  MLK Senior Citizen Center, 3807 Smash Ave., Alexandria
• Tuesday, Sept. 25 at 11 a.m.
  University Academy (LSUA Campus), 8100 Highway 1 South, Alexandria
• Tuesday, Sept. 25 at 11 a.m.
  Rapides Senior Citizen's Center, 315 Bolton Ave., Alexandria
• Wednesday, Sept. 26 at 9 a.m.
  Glenmora High School, 1414 Seventh St., Glenmora
• Wednesday, Sept. 26 at 10 a.m.
  Alexandria Main Library, 411 Washington St., Alexandria
• Wednesday, Sept. 26 at 11 a.m.
  MLK Library, 1115 Broadway Ave., Alexandria
• Wednesday, Sept. 26 at 1 p.m.
  Westside Regional Library, Pineville
• Thursday, Sept. 27 at 10 a.m.
  Martin Library, 801 W. Shamrock Ave., Pineville
• Thursday, Sept. 27 at 11 a.m.
  Rapides High School, 9463 Highway 1 South, Lecompte
• Thursday, Sept. 27 at 1 p.m.
  Robertson Library Branch, 809 Tioga High Road, Tioga
• Thursday, Sept. 27 and Friday, Sept. 28 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
  Alexandria Mall, 3437 Masonic Drive, Alexandria
• Friday, Sept. 28 at 10 a.m.
  Gunter Library Branch, 5630 Holloway Road, Libuse
• Friday, Sept. 28 at 2 p.m.
  Boyce Library Branch, 500 #A Lietrim Ave., Boyce
• Saturday, Sept. 29 at 11 a.m.
  Awareness Parade/Walk, downtown Alexandria

St. Helena Parish

• Monday, Sept. 24-Friday, Sept. 28 from 8-4:30 p.m.
  St. Helena Parish Registrar of Voters Office, 48 Kendrick St., NFC Building, Greensburg
• Monday, Sept. 24 from 9:30-10:30 a.m.
  Audubon Regional Library, Greensburg
• Monday, Sept. 24 from 11 a.m.-noon
  Amite Plaza, 30006 Highway 16, Amite
• Tuesday, Sept. 25 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
  Hatfield's Country Store, 24358 Highway 43, Easleyville
• Tuesday, Sept. 25 from 1:15-2:30 p.m.
  Bebo's, 2938 Highway 38, Kentwood
• Wednesday, Sept. 26 from 10-11 a.m.
  Dollar General, 35705 Highway 16, Montpelier
• Wednesday, Sept. 26 from 1-2 p.m.
  Lee's Grocery, 47785 Highway 16, Denham Springs
• Friday, Sept. 28 from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
  Darlington Grocery, 13827 Highway 10, Greensburg

St. James Parish

• Tuesday, Sept. 25
  Lutcher High School
• Wednesday, Sept. 26
  St. James High School
• Thursday, Sept. 27
  4-H Fun Run at Gramercy Elementary School

St. John the Baptist Parish

• Monday, Sept. 24 at 10 a.m.
  St. John Council on Aging (East Bank), 214 Regala Park Road, Reserve
• Tuesday, Sept. 25 from noon-12:35 p.m.
  St. Charles Catholic High School, 100 Dominican Drive, Laplace
• Wednesday, Sept. 26 from 8-9 a.m.
  Riverside Academy, 332 Railroad Ave., Reserve
• Wednesday, Sept. 26 at 1 p.m.
  St. John Veteran's Home, 4004 W. Airline Highway, Reserve
• Thursday, Sept. 27 from 10:38-11:10 a.m.
  West St. John High, 480 Highway 3127, Edgard
• Thursday, Sept. 27 at 1 p.m.
  East St. John High, #1 Wildcat Drive, Reserve
• Friday, Sept. 28 at 10 a.m.
  St. John Council on Aging (West Bank), 3445 Highway 18, Edgard

Terrebonne Parish

• Monday, Sept. 24 from 2-3 p.m.
  Maison De Ville, 107 S. Hollywood Road, Houma
• Monday, Sept. 24 from 4-6 p.m.
  North Library, 4130 W. Park Ave., Gray
• Tuesday, Sept. 25 from 9-10:30 a.m.
  Bonne Terre Apartments, 7614 Main St., Houma
• Wednesday, Sept. 26 from 3-4:30 p.m.
  Main Library, 151 Library Drive, Houma
• Thursday, Sept. 27 from 2:30-4 p.m.
  East Houma Library, 778 Grand Caillou Road

Webster Parish

• Monday, Sept. 24-Friday, Sept. 28 from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
  Registrar of Voters Office, Webster Parish Courthouse, 410 Main St., Minden
• Tuesday, Sept. 25 from 11 a.m.-noon
  Springhill Council on Aging, 403 W. Church St., Springhill
• Wednesday, Sept. 26 from 2-4 p.m.
  Minden Main Branch Library, 521 East and West St., Minden

WORLD WAR I EXHIBIT OPENS AT LOUISIANA STATE ARCHIVES

BATON ROUGE, La.—Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin invites the public to visit the Louisiana State Archives to view “The World Remembers” exhibit commemorating the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I. The exhibit, which runs through Dec. 28, includes a digital display of more than one million names of individuals who died in the war as well as items from the collections of the Archives. The digital portion of the exhibit will end on Nov. 9.

Most notably, the Archives’ collection of World War I military posters will be on display. The posters were printed to encourage the public to support the war by eating less meat and wheat, buying U.S. bonds and joining the service. In addition to the posters, military uniforms, photographs and original correspondence will be featured. Finally, Louisiana State University’s Textile & Costume Museum is graciously loaning the Archives an original World War I Red Cross uniform worn by a volunteer in a Baton Rouge facility.

“We are honored to host an exhibit that pays tribute to almost 88,000 American soldiers who gave their lives as well as thousands more from 15 other nations,” Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin said. “Their service is well noted, especially as we approach the mid-term congressional elections. Voting is one of the most sacred rights we hold as Americans, and these men and women paid the ultimate sacrifice so we could enjoy that freedom.”

Aside from the exhibit, the Archives Research Library has a host of documents, records and books available for view. The collection includes separation papers of Louisianians who served in World War I, military posters, draft registration cards and more.

Admission to the Archives is free, and the building is wheelchair accessible. The exhibit will be open during Archives operating hours: Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and the first Saturday of the month from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information about the Archives, call 225.922.1000 or visit www.sos.la.gov/archives.

- www.sos.la.gov -

Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin is notifying all business owners to be cautious when receiving mailers concerning annual reports from a company called Workplace Compliance Services. Workplace Compliance Services is not affiliated or associated with Louisiana state government in any way. It is a private company, and Louisiana corporations are not required to have any dealings with this company at all. Mailers from this company should be discarded immediately.

In past years, Commercial Division customers have also received correspondence from Business Compliance Division, Corporate Compliance Company, Corporate Records Service and Louisiana Corporate Compliance. These companies are also not affiliated or associated with Louisiana state government in any way.

As a reminder, our office offers an email notification system aimed at protecting Louisiana business owners from fraud and identity theft. Anyone can subscribe to the system which generates messages regarding changes to commercial entities, non-governmental correspondence, office closures and most importantly, warnings involving possible fraudulent activity.

For more information, visit www.sos.la.gov or contact a Commercial Division staff member at 225.925.4704 or commercial@sos.la.gov.

INTENT TO AWARD VOTING MACHINE CONTRACT ANNOUNCED

BATON ROUGE, La.—The Office of State Procurement on behalf of Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin has issued an intent to award the RFP for Acquisition of New Voting Equipment.to Dominion Voting Systems, Inc. The State of Louisiana intends to enter into a contract with Dominion for the replacement of all early voting and Election Day voting machines.

“We are very excited about new voting technology in our state,” said Secretary of State Ardoin. “Considering voting machines are purchased every 15-20 years, we anticipated this process would be highly scrutinized and possibly contentious. We appreciate the expert advice of the Office of State Procurement which has worked with my office to ensure the process has been fair and equitable for all bidders and we look forward to negotiating a final agreement with Dominion in the near future.”

Once a final contract is negotiated, Louisiana can begin replacing approximately 10,000 machines and replacing them with smaller, more secure, touch screen models that provide a voter verified paper receipt to enhance post-election recounts or audits when necessary. Louisiana, like many other states, purchased its voting equipment back in 2005 when federal Help America Vote Act (HAVA) dollars were first sent to states. Congress released approximately $5.889 million in additional HAVA funding to be used for technology improvements.

To date, the Secretary of State’s Office has invested approximately $500,000 in self-generated dollars to jump-start voting technology efforts at the local level including secure laptops for vote tabulation and additional cyber-security measures at registrar of voters offices. An additional allocation of $3.5 million has already been approved by the Legislature for this purchase. The federal HAVA dollars provided to Louisiana require a $294,400 state match bringing the potential total dollars available for voting equipment to almost $10 million dollars.

“We know for certain that ten million dollars won’t cover the entire cost of replacement machines,” noted Ardoin. “However it does get us started in at least five parishes as early as this spring,” said Ardoin. “We will immediately begin discussion with the legislature and others about how important this investment is for election security. As cyber-security threats become more advanced, voters are demanding safer, securer voting technology in our state and we are prepared to deliver,” Ardoin said. “I believe a vast majority of our lawmakers have heard that message loud and clear and will support us in bringing new equipment to their districts as soon as possible.”

According to estimates provided by Dominion during the request for proposals process, full replacement costs for Louisiana could be as high as $90-95 million. The Secretary of State’s Office has indicated it plans to roll out any new equipment purchased in phases over multiple fiscal years. Phase one would replace all early voting machines 5 parishes at a time, across the state starting in 2018. Phase two would include Election Day machines rolled out in the same manner, 5 parishes at a time with full implementation expected by 2020.

###

Agenda for the Aug. 7, 2018 meeting of the State Board of Election Supervisors

SECRETARY OF STATE ARDOIN PRAISES ELECTION DECISION

BATON ROUGE, La.—Louisiana Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin expressed his gratitude today to Senate President John Alario and Sen. Jonathan Perry for their cooperation in calling a special election to fill the seat vacated by Perry in Senate District 26. Thanks to the support of both men, the dates announced occur during regularly scheduled elections saving tax dollars to be used for other priorities.

“Fiscally responsible decisions concerning elections are the right thing to do, and I certainly appreciate President Alario and Sen. Perry’s willingness to work with me to save taxpayer dollars,” said Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin. “I am committed to reducing the number of special elections in our state not just because of the cost, but also because of voter fatigue. We have too many elections in this state, and the people demonstrate their frustration by not always participating. If we want more voters at the polls, we need to make voting a big deal. Holding this special election on a scheduled date just makes sense,” Ardoin emphasized.

President Alario announced the special election primary will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 6 during the Congressional Primary Election cycle and the runoff (if necessary) on Saturday, Dec. 8 during the Congressional General Election cycle. Qualifying for the Special Senate District 26 election will be Aug. 8-10. Eligible candidates can qualify with the clerk of court in the parish in which they are registered to vote. District 26 includes Acadia, Lafayette, St. Landry and Vermilion parishes.

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QUALIFYING FOR 2018 CONGRESSIONAL/SPECIAL SECRETARY OF STATE ELECTION

BATON ROUGE, La.—Louisiana Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin reminds everyone that qualifying for the November Congressional Primary/Special Secretary of State Election begins on Wednesday, July 18 and runs through Friday, July 20.

All candidates for local municipal races will qualify with their parish clerk of court. All candidates for U.S. representatives, secretary of state, associate justices of the Supreme Court, court of appeals judges and public service commissioners will qualify at the Louisiana Secretary of State’s Office located at 8585 Archives Ave. in Baton Rouge. Hours of operation for the secretary of state are 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. daily. Check with your local clerk of court for specific parish hours.

The media is invited to attend qualifying at the Secretary of State’s Office and will have the opportunity to interview and/or photograph candidates as they file their paperwork. Additionally, the Secretary of State’s Office will live stream on both Facebook and Twitter during candidate comments.

Once qualified, candidates will appear on the secretary of state’s website in real-time on the home page at www.sos.la.gov.

The Fall Congressional Primary/Special Secretary of State Election will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018 and the Fall Congressional General Election will be held on Saturday, Dec. 8. For more information on qualifying, visit the secretary of state’s website at www.sos.la.gov.

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SECRETARY OF STATE KYLE ARDOIN ADDRESSES PRESS CLUB

BATON ROUGE, La.—As the last day of the special legislative session wrapped up, Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin spoke to members of the Press Club discussing how the final budget might impact critical services including the purchase of new voting machines. The Department of State is currently engaged in a request for proposals (RFP) process to replace the state’s 10,000 Election Day and early voting machines.

“We have oral presentations scheduled next week for three voting machine companies, and from there a choice will be made by the selection committee,” Secretary Ardoin reported. “We always anticipate this process to be highly competitive one, and are anxious to see what each group brings to table for us to consider,” he said. “Elections is the one area of our operation that keeps me awake at night because we all want fair and secure elections with a level playing field and reliable outcomes. We need them for our democracy and our state to thrive.”

Ardoin shared that despite recent turmoil in the office surrounding the departure of Secretary of State Tom Schedler, its operations are returning to normal and are focused on the fundamentals that the people of Louisiana expect. Secretary Ardoin will serve as Louisiana’s secretary of state until a special election can be held on Nov. 6, 2018 and Dec. 8, 2018 if a runoff is required. Ardoin has named to his executive team former Speaker of the House Joe Salter as first assistant secretary of state, Shanda Jones as undersecretary of management and finance, Sherri Wharton Hadskey as commissioner of elections and Meg Casper Sunstrom as deputy secretary of Communications and Outreach.

“This team is the reason the Secretary of State’s Office has flourished to date,” said Ardoin. “They work with our staff each and every day to accomplish some of the big wins we’ve achieved. I’m not surprised at all with the number of politicians pondering and praying about running for this office because they will undoubtedly walk into an operation that is flourishing and has tremendous room for growth and success.”

As the election approaches this fall, Ardoin challenged voters to look at the race with great scrutiny in terms of candidate qualifications as well as issues including voting machine security, automatic voter registration, voter fraud and historically low turnout.

“Voters need to be asking candidates tough questions about their vision for this office,” stressed Ardoin. “Confidence in our elections is one of the foundations of our democracy, and Louisiana does it well. You may hear candidates running for office say other states do elections differently, and they do. But here in Louisiana, our history of public corruption and voting irregularities from decades ago led us to value things like secret ballots, photo ID and secure voting machines. In addition, we are able to provide election results within hours of our polls closing, not days or weeks later. Any changes to the fundamental way in which we conduct elections in Louisiana will have unintended consequences and voters need to be skeptical,” Ardoin said.

Qualifying for the 2018 fall congressional election cycle is fast approaching, and is scheduled for July 18-20. In addition to a special statewide election for secretary of state, voters will be considering candidates for U.S. representatives. Statewide elections, including the regular election for secretary of state, will be held in the fall of 2019.

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SECRETARY OF STATE KYLE ARDOIN TAKES OATH OF OFFICE

BATON ROUGE, La.—R. Kyle Ardoin was formally sworn in today during a short ceremony at Louisiana’s Old State Capitol. Judge Yvette Alexander administered the oath of office to Ardoin who was flanked by his wife, the former Letti Lowe of Port Allen and his daughter, Abbigale.

Ardoin, a native of Ville Platte and a resident of Baton Rouge, ascends into the position of secretary of state during a critical time for the Department of State, especially in terms of elections. In attendance were family, friends, staff, elected officials and other familiar faces around state government.

“I stand before you today knowing the importance of the job that lies before me,” said Secretary Ardoin. “It’s a job that hits right at the heart of our nation’s democracy and our states’ rights. Elections. We are preparing for the mid-term congressional elections as we speak, with qualifying less than two months away,” he said. “At the same time, we are embarking on replacing our voting equipment in an effort to better secure our votes while providing voters with a quick and easy process in which to cast their ballot.”

Serving as first assistant secretary of state since 2010, Ardoin is well prepared to lead the agency and has the support of not only local election officials, but also his colleagues nationally. The National Association of Secretaries of State named Ardoin co-chairman of the coveted Elections Committee indicating he had the wholehearted support of both NASS President Connie Lawson of Indiana as well as his co-chair from New Mexico, Secretary Maggie Toulouse Oliver.

“Knowing that elections cybersecurity and technology upgrades are at the forefront of the work done in every state across our nation, I am honored to be able to engage at a national level keeping Louisiana ahead of the curve in terms of the integrity of our election process,” said Ardoin. “My intent is to provide for a smooth transition of power to a newly elected secretary of state this winter, handing over an agency that has not missed a beat or slowed down any of our efforts to provide excellent customer service.”

Secretary Ardoin will serve as Louisiana secretary of state until a special election can be held on Nov. 6, 2018 and Dec. 8, 2018 if a runoff is required. Ardoin has named to his executive team former Speaker of the House Joe Salter as first assistant secretary of state, Shanda Jones as undersecretary of management and finance and Meg Casper Sunstrom as deputy secretary for communications and outreach.

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LOUISIANA RECEIVES THREE BIDS FOR NEW VOTING MACHINES

BATON ROUGE, La.–The Secretary of State’s Office today announced three companies submitted bids to provide new voting technology for the state in response to a recently released request for proposals (RFP).  The RFP calls for the replacement of both early voting and Election Day voting machines. May 1 marked the deadline for submissions by companies wishing to compete in the selection process. Until the final selection is made, all bids remain confidential under state law.

The companies submitting proposals include Dominion Voting Systems Corp., Election Systems & Software, Inc. (ES&S) and Hart InterCivic, Inc.

The secretary of state envisions replacing approximately 10,000 machines with smaller, more secure, touch-screen models that provide a voter verified paper receipt to enhance post-election recounts or audits when necessary.

Louisiana, like many other states, purchased its voting equipment back in 2005 when federal Help America Vote Act (HAVA) dollars were first sent to states. Last month, Congress released approximately $5.889 million in additional HAVA funding to be used for technology improvements.

To date, the Secretary of State’s Office has invested approximately $500,000 self-generated dollars to jump-start voting technology efforts at the local level including secure laptops for vote tabulation and additional cybersecurity measures at Registrar of Voters Offices. An additional allocation of $1.5 million, approved by the Legislature for the current fiscal year, could be coupled with a recommended $3 million which is included in the Appropriations Bill (HB 1) being debated the Capitol. The HAVA dollars provided to Louisiana require a $294,400 state match bringing the potential total dollars available for voting equipment to almost $10 million dollars.

While this money will not cover the full cost of replacement, it provides welcomed federal funding without strings attached that will be pooled together with state funds to purchase new equipment. The Secretary of State’s Office has indicated it plans to roll out any new equipment purchased in phases over multiple fiscal years. Phase One would replace all early voting machines, five parishes at a time, across the state starting in 2018. Phase Two would include Election Day machines rolled out in the same manner, five parishes at a time, with full implementation expected by 2020.

The timeline for final selection of a voting machine vendor includes the following activities:

• Evaluation Committee Kickoff Meeting – May 3, 2018
• Individual Evaluations – May 3-14, 2018
• Oral Presentations (if needed) – May 22-24, 2018
• Notice of Intent to Award/Contract Negotiations – May 31, 2018
• Award Finalized – June 20, 2018

BATON ROUGE, La.–Attached below is the letter sent by Secretary of State Tom Schedler to the governor announcing his resignation effective Tuesday, May 8, 2018.

According to Article IV, Section 16 of the Louisiana Constitution, if the unexpired terms of a statewide elected official exceeds one year, the First Assistant Secretary of State (Kyle Ardoin) fills the unexpired term of office. The governor calls a special election to fill the vacancy at the next regularly scheduled congressional or statewide election. The next available dates are the mid-term congressional elections scheduled for Nov. 6, 2018 and Dec. 8, 2018.

Secretary Schedler Resignation Letter

ELECTION DAY REMINDERS

BATON ROUGE, La.–Secretary of State Tom Schedler reminds everyone that Saturday, April 28 is Election Day. Eligible voters will be casting ballots for a variety of candidate runoffs, as well as parish and local propositions, in 42* parishes. Since this is a Saturday election, the polls open at 7 a.m.

In preparation for Saturday’s Election Day activities, Secretary Schedler is encouraging voters to remember:

• Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. Anyone in line at 8 p.m. will be allowed to vote.
• Voters can find their precinct and sample ballot by downloading the GeauxVote Mobile app for smartphones or by visiting www.sos.la.gov.
• Voters can also sign up for text alerts via GeauxVote Mobile.
• Voters should bring an ID with them to vote (Louisiana driver’s license, Louisiana Special ID card or another generally recognized picture identification card with name and signature such as a passport). Voters without an ID will be required to fill out an affidavit, but will be allowed to vote.
• Election results can be viewed in real-time via GeauxVote Mobile and the secretary of state’s website at www.sos.la.gov.

*Parishes with elections include: Acadia, Allen, Avoyelles, Beauregard, Bossier, Caddo, Calcasieu, Cameron, Claiborne, DeSoto, East Baton Rouge, East Carroll, Franklin, Grant, Iberville, Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, Lafourche, LaSalle, Lincoln, Livingston, Madison, Morehouse, Natchitoches, Orleans, Ouachita, Pointe Coupee, Rapides, Richland, Sabine, St. Bernard, St. Helena, St. Martin, St. Tammany, Terrebonne, Vermilion, Vernon, Washington, Webster, West Baton Rouge and Winn.

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April 23, 2018

SECRETARY OF STATE TO TEST ELECTION RESULTS

BATON ROUGE, La.—Secretary of State Tom Schedler’s Office will test its electronic election results system Tuesday, April 24, 2018 at 2 p.m. CST. During the test period, mock results will be displayed on the secretary of state website. THESE ELECTION RESULTS ARE ONLY FOR TESTING PURPOSES AND DO NOT REFLECT ANY ACTUAL RESULTS.

Media outlets are STRONGLY urged to test their election night graphics, websites and broadcast systems so that any technical issues can be identified and remedied with assistance from the Secretary of State’s IT staff prior to Election Night. If any issues are encountered, please notify the Communications Office immediately at 225.362.5086.

Across the state, 42* parishes have elections ranging from candidate run-offs to parish and local propositions. Election Day for the Spring Municipal General Election is Saturday, April 28.

- www.sos.la.gov -

*Parishes with elections include: Acadia, Allen, Avoyelles, Beauregard, Bossier, Caddo, Calcasieu, Cameron, Claiborne, DeSoto, East Baton Rouge, East Carroll, Franklin, Grant, Iberville, Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, Lafourche, LaSalle, Lincoln, Livingston, Madison, Morehouse, Natchitoches, Orleans, Ouachita, Pointe Coupee, Rapides, Richland, Sabine, St. Bernard, St. Helena, St. Martin, St. Tammany, Terrebonne, Vermilion, Vernon, Washington, Webster, West Baton Rouge and Winn.

SATURDAY LAST DAY FOR EARLY VOTING IN SPRING MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS

The Louisiana Secretary of State’s Office reminds voters eligible to participate in the Spring Municipal General Election to consider voting early. The last opportunity to cast a ballot during early voting will be SATURDAY, APRIL 21 from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Voters should utilize Louisiana’s award-winning smartphone app, GeauxVote Mobile, to find out where to early vote as well as what’s on their ballot. Across the state, 42* parishes have elections ranging from candidate runoffs to parish and local propositions.

Citizens who want to vote early may do so in person at their parish Registrar of Voters Office or at other designated locations. For a complete listing of early voting locations, visit https://voterportal.sos.la.gov/EarlyVoting.

Election Day for the Spring Municipal General Election is Saturday, April 28.

- www.sos.la.gov -

*Parishes with elections include: Acadia, Allen, Avoyelles, Beauregard, Bossier, Caddo, Calcasieu, Cameron, Claiborne, DeSoto, East Baton Rouge, East Carroll, Franklin, Grant, Iberville, Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, Lafourche, LaSalle, Lincoln, Livingston, Madison, Morehouse, Natchitoches, Orleans, Ouachita, Pointe Coupee, Rapides, Richland, Sabine, St. Bernard, St. Helena, St. Martin, St. Tammany, Terrebonne, Vermilion, Vernon, Washington, Webster, West Baton Rouge and Winn.

EARLY VOTING BEGINS SATURDAY FOR SPRING MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS

The Louisiana Secretary of State’s Office is encouraging all Louisianians eligible to vote in the Spring Municipal General Election to consider voting early. Early voting begins SATURDAY, APRIL 14 and continues through SATURDAY, APRIL 21 from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, excluding Sunday, April 15.

Voters should utilize Louisiana’s award-winning smartphone app, GeauxVote Mobile, to find out where to early vote as well as what’s on their ballot. Across the state, 42* parishes have elections ranging from candidate runoffs to parish and local propositions.

Citizens who want to vote early may do so in person at their parish Registrar of Voters Office or at other designated locations. For a complete listing of early voting locations, visit https://voterportal.sos.la.gov/EarlyVoting.

Election Day for the Spring Municipal General Election is Saturday, April 28.

- www.sos.la.gov -

*Parishes with elections include: Acadia, Allen, Avoyelles, Beauregard, Bossier, Caddo, Calcasieu, Cameron, Claiborne, DeSoto, East Baton Rouge, East Carroll, Franklin, Grant, Iberville, Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, Lafourche, LaSalle, Lincoln, Livingston, Madison, Morehouse, Natchitoches, Orleans, Ouachita, Pointe Coupee, Rapides, Richland, Sabine, St. Bernard, St. Helena, St. Martin, St. Tammany, Terrebonne, Vermilion, Vernon, Washington, Webster, West Baton Rouge and Winn.

LOUISIANA TO RECEIVE MILLIONS FOR VOTING MACHINES
State Releases Request for Proposals

BATON ROUGE, La.--States across the nation received welcomed news from Congress last week with the passage of a bill (Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2018) that allocates unused Help America Vote Act (HAVA) dollars to be used for the purchase of voting equipment. As a result, Louisiana stands to receive approximately $5.889 million from the Election Assistance Commission (EAC) in the coming weeks.

At the same time, Louisiana has released a Request for Proposals for new voting machines statewide.  The Secretary of State envisions replacing approximately 10,000 early and election day electronic voting machines and replacing them with smaller, more secure, touch screen models that provide a voter verified paper receipt to enhance post-election recounts or audits when necessary.

“Louisiana, like many other states, purchased our voting equipment back in 2005 when HAVA dollars were first sent to states,” said Schedler.  “Secretaries of State from across the country have been fighting for this final allocation of funding in light of recent security concerns, including hacking threats, brought to light during the 2016 Presidential Election cycle.  While this money will not cover the full cost of replacement, it certainly provides a strong infusion of welcomed federal funding without strings attached that will be pooled together with state funds to better secure and update our process.”

To date, the Secretary of State’s Office has invested approximately $500,000 self-generated dollars to jump-start voting technology efforts at the local level including secure laptops for vote tabulation and additional cybersecurity measures at registrar of voters offices. An additional allocation of $1.5 million, approved by the Legislature for the current fiscal year, could be coupled with a recommended $3 million which is included in the Appropriations Bill (HB 1) being debated the capitol. The HAVA dollars provided to Louisiana require a $294,400 state match bringing the potential total dollars available for voting equipment to almost $10 million dollars.

“Looking at the total available to date, Louisiana is in a much better position than we ever envisioned in terms of funding for new machines,” said Schedler.  “Our plan is to roll out any new equipment purchased in phases over multiple fiscal years, and the current amount funding can certainly cover our first phase.  In phase one, we would replace all early voting machines 5 parishes at a time, across the state starting in 2018.  Phase two would include election day machines rolled out in the same manner, 5 parishes at a time with full implementation expected by 2020.”

The state’s Request for Proposals for new voting equipment can be found online at: https://wwwcfprd.doa.louisiana.gov/OSP/LaPAC/agency/pdf/6770300-01.pdf.

Bids for new voting equipment will be accepted beginning May 1, 2018.  Depending on the bid amounts, Secretary Schedler has anticipating needing somewhere between $40-60 million to replace both the hardware and software necessary to conduct the state’s elections.

“The good news is, discussions at the Congressional level are continuing to address the long term fiscal needs states will face in replacing old voting equipment,” said Schedler.  “This is a positive first step, but there must be additional support in order to increase our cybersecurity defenses and replace aging voting equipment not just in Louisiana, but nationwide.”

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ELECTION DAY REMINDERS

BATON ROUGE, La.–Secretary of State Tom Schedler reminds everyone that SATURDAY, MARCH 24 is Election Day. Eligible voters will be casting ballots for a variety of local municipal, judicial and proposition elections in 41 parishes. Additionally, there are two open state representative seats in Districts 93 (Orleans) and 86 (Tangipahoa) which could be of regional interest. Since this is a Saturday election, the polls open at 7 A.M.

In preparation for Saturday’s Election Day activities, Secretary Schedler is encouraging voters to remember:

Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. Anyone in line at 8 p.m. will be allowed to vote.

Voters can find their precinct and sample ballot by downloading the GeauxVote Mobile app for smartphones or by visiting www.sos.la.gov.

Voters can also sign up for text alerts via GeauxVote Mobile.

Voters should bring an ID with them to vote (Louisiana driver’s license, Louisiana Special ID card or another generally recognized picture identification card with name and signature such as a passport). Voters without an ID will be required to fill out an affidavit, but will be allowed to vote.

Election results can be viewed in real-time via GeauxVote Mobile and the secretary of state’s website at www.sos.la.gov.

“While certain areas with local races of interest will see higher turnout, based on early voting statistics, this looks to be another low participation cycle,” said Secretary of State Tom Schedler. “Spring elections with only limited items on the ballot can sometimes see turnout below 10 percent. However, some high-profile municipal and state representative races could bring voters to the polls on Saturday and boost turnout above 20 percent,” said Schedler.

Parishes with elections include: Acadia, Allen, Ascension, Assumption, Avoyelles, Beauregard, Caddo Calcasieu, Concordia, DeSoto, Evangeline, Franklin, Grant, Iberville, Jackson, Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, Lafourche, LaSalle, Madison, Natchitoches, Orleans, Ouachita, Pointe Coupee, Rapides, Richland, St. Helena, St. James, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Union, Vermilion, Vernon, Webster, West Baton Rouge, West Feliciana, West Carroll and Winn.

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SECRETARY OF STATE TO TEST ELECTION RESULTS

BATON ROUGE, La.—Secretary of State Tom Schedler’s Office will test its electronic election results system Tuesday, March 20 at 2 p.m. CST. During the test period, mock results will be displayed on the secretary of state website. THESE ELECTION RESULTS ARE ONLY FOR TESTING PURPOSES AND DO NOT REFLECT ANY ACTUAL RESULTS.

Media outlets are STRONGLY urged to test their election night graphics, websites and broadcast systems so that any technical issues can be identified and remedied with assistance from the Secretary of State’s IT staff prior to Election Night. If any issues are encountered, please notify the Communications Office immediately at 225.362.5086.

The Communications Office for Election Night will be staffed by Press Secretary Meg Casper Sunstrom. If your outlet would like a seat to ERIN to watch results in real time and/or provide a backup for your election night plans, please contact her ASAP at meg.sunstrom@sos.la.gov or 225.978.6686.

In addition to a variety of local candidate and proposition elections in 41 parishes, there are also two open state representative seats in Districts 93 (Orleans) and 86 (Tangipahoa) which could be of regional interest and several judicial races.

Parishes with elections include: Acadia, Allen, Ascension, Assumption, Avoyelles, Beauregard, Caddo Calcasieu, Concordia, DeSoto, Evangeline, Franklin, Grant, Iberville, Jackson, Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, Lafourche, LaSalle, Madison, Natchitoches, Orleans, Ouachita, Pointe Coupee, Rapides, Richland, St. Helena, St. James, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Union, Vermilion, Vernon, Webster, West Baton Rouge, West Feliciana, West Carroll and Winn.

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EARLY VOTING ENDS SATURDAY FOR SPRING MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS

The Louisiana Secretary of State’s Office reminds voters eligible to participate in the spring municipal election cycle to consider voting early. The last opportunity to cast a ballot during early voting will be Saturday, March 17 from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Voters should utilize Louisiana’s award-winning smartphone app, GeauxVote Mobile, to find out where to early vote as well as what’s on their ballot. In addition to a variety of local candidate and proposition elections in 41 parishes*, there are also two open state representative seats in Districts 93 (Orleans) and 86 (Tangipahoa) which could be of regional interest and several judicial races.

Citizens who want to vote early may do so in person at their parish Registrar of Voters Office or at other designated locations. For a complete listing of early voting locations, visit https://voterportal.sos.la.gov/EarlyVoting.

Election Day for the spring municipal election is Saturday, March 24 with the General Election scheduled for Saturday, April 28.

- www.sos.la.gov -

*Parishes with elections include: Acadia, Allen, Ascension, Assumption, Avoyelles, Beauregard, Caddo Calcasieu, Concordia, DeSoto, Evangeline, Franklin, Grant, Iberville, Jackson, Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, Lafourche, LaSalle, Madison, Natchitoches, Orleans, Ouachita, Pointe Coupee, Rapides, Richland, St. Helena, St. James, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Union, Vermilion, Vernon, Webster, West Baton Rouge, West Feliciana, West Carroll and Winn.

BATON ROUGE, La. – Secretary of State Tom Schedler shared the following comments today during a brief meeting with the press to address a lawsuit filed several weeks ago and calls for his resignation. Schedler says his intent is to fight the allegations, finish his term in office, and make amends with his family, friends and colleagues who have been hurt by his actions.

“I know staying in office, on the surface, seems surprising, even shocking,” Schedler said.  “But after some brutally honest discussion with the ones who’ve been hurt the most by my actions, all of them are in unanimous agreement. I must continue the job I was elected to do.  But, I plan to fight these allegations,” he stated.

“My first inclination was to walk away so I could protect my family and myself from what was sure to be a wave of judgement and disappointment,” Schedler shared.  “But I’ve experienced just the opposite. I have been overwhelmed by the public’s kindness,” he said.  “Friends, colleagues and complete strangers have offered their advice, their prayers, their compassion and most importantly, their forgiveness.  It’s been humbling.”

“The fact is, only politicians and editorial writers have publicly suggested I resign,” he noted.  “Staying will not be easy, but leaving is cowardly.  As is always the case, the truth about all this can be found somewhere in the middle.  All the facts will be revealed in the proper place, at the proper time.  I do not intend to feed the rumor mills and gossip columns.”

“I know, there will be some out there that will disagree with my choice to stay.  But when I think of the critical crossroads we face in terms of elections alone:  we’re in the midst of early voting right now, there are still concerns over cyberattacks on elections, we’re about to issue an RFP allowing for us to purchase new voting equipment, we have a brand new commissioner of elections; and a fast approaching mid-term election for Congress, I cannot in good conscience step down.”

“Our work will not be thrown into chaos because I’ve been targeted in an unfair lawsuit,” Schedler emphasized. “This is a time to dig in and work even harder because the deadlines for all these important issues are fast approaching and the outcomes are crucial for voters,” he said.

“From today forward, I am committed to two things: repairing my relationship with the people that mean the most to me and second, protecting the continuity of service for the people of Louisiana here at the Secretary of State’s Office.  I work for the people of this state.  They elected me to do a job and it’s much too important to just walk away with my tail between my legs,” said Schedler. “I’m a New Orleans boy at heart and I get up when I get knocked down, especially when the fight is not over.”

“After this statement, on the advice of my attorneys, I will not discuss the ongoing litigation.  Period.  I will attempt to avoid being a distraction by focusing on accomplishing the goals of the office.  I ask that everyone treat my family and staff with sensitivity and kindness. They have played no role in this mess and cannot be expected to speak on my behalf.”

“I, and I alone, stand here today, with all that I have left of my reputation as a good, honest, straight-forward guy, and say I’m sorry.  I made a mistake, and I will leave it to God to judge what’s in my heart and what’s next for me in my life,” Schedler said.

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The Louisiana Secretary of State’s Office is encouraging all Louisianians eligible to vote in the spring municipal election cycle to consider voting early. Early voting begins Saturday, March 10 and continues through Saturday, March 17 from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, excluding Sunday, March 11.

Voters should utilize Louisiana’s award-winning smartphone app, GeauxVote Mobile, to find out where to early vote as well as what’s on their ballot. In addition to a variety of local candidate and proposition elections in 41 parishes*, there are also two open state representative seats in Districts 93 (Orleans) and 86 (Tangipahoa) which could be of regional interest, and several judicial races.

Citizens who want to vote early may do so in person at their parish Registrar of Voters Office or at other designated locations. For a complete listing of early voting locations, visit https://voterportal.sos.la.gov/EarlyVoting.

Election Day for the spring municipal election is Saturday, March 24 with the General Election scheduled for Saturday, April 28.

- www.sos.la.gov -

*Parishes with elections include: Acadia, Allen, Ascension, Assumption, Avoyelles, Beauregard, Caddo Calcasieu, Concordia, DeSoto, Evangeline, Franklin, Grant, Iberville, Jackson, Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, Lafourche, LaSalle, Madison, Natchitoches, Orleans, Ouachita, Pointe Coupee, Rapides, Richland, St. Helena, St. James, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Union, Vermilion, Vernon, Webster, West Baton Rouge, West Feliciana, West Carroll and Winn.

QUALIFYING BEGINS JAN. 3 FOR SPRING ELECTIONS

Louisiana Secretary of State Tom Schedler reminds everyone that qualifying begins for the Spring municipal elections on Wednesday, Jan. 3 and runs through Friday, Jan. 5 until 4:30 p.m. daily. ALL CANDIDATES FOR LOCAL MUNICIPAL RACES WILL QUALIFY WITH THEIR LOCAL CLERK OF COURT or the parish they are registered to vote in for multi-parish races. Once qualified, candidates will appear on the Secretary of State’s website under “Elections & Voting,” “Get Election Information,” “Search for Candidates” or by visiting http://www.sos.la.gov/ElectionsAndVoting/GetElectionInformation/SearchForCandidates/Pages/default.aspx.

The following 35 parishes will be participating in qualifying: Allen, Assumption, Avoyelles, Beauregard, Bienville, Calcasieu, DeSoto, East Baton Rouge, Franklin, Grant, Iberville, Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, Lafourche, Livingston, Madison, Morehouse, Natchitoches, Orleans, Ouachita, Plaquemines, Pointe Coupee, Rapides, Richland, St. James, St. Martin, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Vermilion, Vernon, West Baton Rouge, West Carroll, West Feliciana and Winn.

Spring municipal primary elections will be held on Saturday, March 24, 2018 and Spring municipal general elections will be held on Saturday, April 28, 2018. Additionally, a special election to fill the vacant House of Representatives District 86 seat will be held on Saturday, Feb. 17, 2018 in select parishes. For more information on qualifying, visit the Secretary of State’s website at http://www.sos.la.gov/ElectionsAndVoting/BecomeACandidate/QualifyForAnElection/Pages/default.aspx.

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SECRETARY SCHEDLER TO TESTIFY BEFORE CONGRESS

Secretary of State Tom Schedler flies to Washington D.C. this week for testimony Wednesday, Nov. 29 before the House Subcommittees on Information Technology and Intergovernmental Affairs. The hearing, scheduled to begin at 1 p.m. CST is entitled “Cybersecurity: Ensuring the Integrity of the Ballot Box.” Secretary Schedler will highlight efforts to secure and protect voting machines across the country on behalf of the National Association of Secretaries of State and specifically highlight Louisiana’s elections best practices including how we protect equipment from tampering.

“In Louisiana, we take pride that we go above and beyond with our voting machine security,” Schedler says. “We are a top down state which means the state purchases, and warehouses, every voting machine used in Louisiana. Additionally, we have the most current software available on all of our voting machines, and we test each and every one before and after the election. Because no one touches our voting machines except our staff; because they’re never sent out to the manufacturer for repairs; because they are not handled by individuals or companies who program voting machines; and because they are very tightly controlled by our office and our office alone, I have the utmost confidence in our vote tallies. The real need in terms of cybersecurity include continued guidance on best practices for election equipment and approval of our clearances from the Department of Homeland Security so that secretaries of state can receive classified information when threats arise. Most of all, states are looking for funding sources to replace aging equipment purchased more than 10 years ago. All of these messages will be important for our federal leaders to hear and consider on Wednesday,” Schedler emphasized.

The subcommittee hearing can be viewed online at https://oversight.house.gov/hearing/cybersecurity-voting-machines/. Additional participants scheduled to appear with Secretary Schedler include:

• Christopher C. Krebs, Senior Official performing the duties of the Under Secretary, National Protection and Programs Directorate, Department of Homeland Security;
• Edgardo Cortés, Commissioner, Virginia Department of Elections;
• Matthew Blaze Ph.D., Associate Professor of Computer and Information Science, University of Pennsylvania and coauthor of the DEFCON 25 report; and
• Susan Klein Hennessey (minority witness), Fellow in National Security Law in Governance Studies, Brookings Institution.

- www.sos.la.gov -

ELECTION DAY REMINDERS

Secretary of State Tom Schedler reminds everyone that SATURDAY, NOV. 18 is Election Day across the state. Eligible voters will be casting ballots for state treasurer as well as an assortment of local races including New Orleans municipal offices beginning at 7 A.M.

In preparation for Saturday’s election activities, Secretary Schedler is encouraging voters to remember:

Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. Anyone in line at 8 p.m. will be allowed to vote.

Voters can find their precinct and sample ballot by downloading the GeauxVote Mobile app for smartphones or by visiting www.sos.la.gov.

Voters can also sign up for text alerts via the GeauxVote Mobile app.

Voters should bring an ID with them to vote (Louisiana driver’s license, Louisiana Special ID card or another generally recognized picture identification card with your name and signature such as a passport). Voters without an ID will be required to fill out an affidavit, but will be allowed to vote.

Election results can be viewed in real-time via the GeauxVote Mobile app and the Secretary of State’s website at www.sos.la.gov.

“Statewide turnout is only anticipated to reach approximately 13 percent, so I’m strongly urging voters in Louisiana to get out and cast a ballot in this important statewide election,” said Secretary of State Tom Schedler. “The office of treasurer is critical to our state’s financial stability and choosing a statewide elected official is something we should all weigh in on by voting. Additionally, voters in New Orleans will be electing their mayor as well as other municipal leaders, so we believe participation in that area will surpass the overall state turnout.”

- www.sos.la.gov -

SECRETARY OF STATE TO TEST ELECTION RESULTS

Secretary of State Tom Schedler’s office will test its electronic election results system TUESDAY, NOV. 14 at 2 p.m. CST. During the test period, mock results will be displayed on the secretary of state’s website. THESE ELECTION RESULTS ARE ONLY FOR TESTING PURPOSES AND DO NOT REFLECT ANY ACTUAL RESULTS.

Media outlets are STRONGLY urged to test their election night graphics, websites and broadcast systems so that any technical issues can be identified and remedied with assistance from the Secretary of State’s IT staff prior to election night. If any issues are encountered, please notify the Communications Office immediately at 225.362.5086.

The Secretary of State’s Office will also be testing the new election result feed for media on Tuesday. Media wishing to test the new site ahead of next year’s launch are encouraged to contact Press Secretary Meg Casper Sunstrom for additional instructions and log in credentials.

Finally, in preparation for election night, media outlets should reserve their seat at the Secretary of State’s Office if they are interested in watching results via ERIN (Electronic Registration Information Network).

###

SECRETARY SCHEDLER TO ADDRESS NATIONAL AUDIENCE

Secretary of State Tom Schedler will make a national appearance thanks to a visit from the C-SPAN tour bus in Baton Rouge tomorrow morning.

On Tuesday, Nov. 7, a customized 45-foot motor coach will arrive in front of the State Capitol for C-SPAN’s “Washington Journal” program as part of a 14-month tour of the United States. Secretary Schedler will be interviewed at approximately 8:20 a.m. on both state and national topics surrounding elections. Viewers can watch Schedler locally in Baton Rouge on Cox Channel 141 or online at www.c-span.org/community.

From there, Schedler had planned to fly to Washington D.C. to prepare for testimony Wednesday, Nov. 8 before the Subcommittees on Information Technology and Intergovernmental Affairs. However, the hearing, entitled “Cybersecurity: Ensuring the Integrity of the Ballot Box” was cancelled late Monday night by Chairman Will Hurd due to the church shooting in Texas. The hearing will be rescheduled at a later time.

EARLY VOTING BEGINS FRIDAY DUE TO VETERANS DAY

BATON ROUGE, La.—Secretary of State Tom Schedler is asking registered voters to note that early voting for the Nov. 18 Special Treasurer/Municipal General Election will begin FRIDAY, Nov. 3 due to the observance of Veterans Day next week.

“Because Friday, Nov. 10 is Veterans Day, which is a holiday recognized by the state, we must push early voting up one day to accommodate voters not losing a day to cast their ballot,” said Secretary Schedler. “It’s the perfect time to remind voters to dedicate their vote to a current or former soldier who served our country through the Honor Vets…Vote! program. While we anticipate turnout to be extremely low based on historical data, I hope that we can all agree that voting in honor of our service members is a great reason to participate on Election Day. You can get more information on the Honor Vets…Vote! program by visiting to www.sos.la.gov/honorvets.”

All Louisianians eligible to vote in the Special/Municipal Election can begin early voting FRIDAY, NOV. 3 and continue through SATURDAY, NOV. 11 from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, excluding Sunday, Nov. 5 and Veterans Day, Friday, Nov. 10. Citizens who want to vote early may do so in person at their parish Registrar of Voters Office or at other designated locations. For a complete listing of early voting locations visit https://voterportal.sos.la.gov/EarlyVoting.

Voters should utilize Louisiana’s award-winning smartphone app, GeauxVote Mobile, to find out where to early vote as well as whether they are eligible to vote in this election. Twenty-four parishes statewide only have the treasurer’s race on the ballot with an additional 32 parishes seeing the treasurer’s race as well as local propositions. Orleans Parish has high profile municipal races including mayor and city council, while eight additional parishes also have local candidate races.

- www.sos.la.gov -

• The deadline to register to vote in person or by mail is Oct. 18.
• The deadline to register to vote through the GeauxVote Online Registration System is Oct. 28.
• Early voting is Nov. 3-11 (except Sunday, Nov. 5 and Veterans Day holiday, Friday, Nov. 10) from 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
• The deadline to request an absentee by mail ballot is Nov. 14 by 4:30 p.m. Voters can request an absentee by mail ballot online through our Voter Portal or in writing through your Registrar of Voters Office (other than military and overseas voters).
• The deadline for a registrar of voters to receive a voted mail ballot is Nov. 17 by 4:30 p.m. (other than military and overseas voters).

ELECTION DAY REMINDERS

Secretary of State Tom Schedler reminds everyone that SATURDAY, OCT. 14 is Election Day across the state. Eligible voters will be casting ballots for state treasurer and three constitutional amendments as well as an assortment of local races including New Orleans municipal offices beginning at 7 A.M.

In preparation for Saturday’s election activities, Secretary Schedler is encouraging voters to remember:

• Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. Anyone in line at 8 p.m. will be allowed to vote.
• Voters can find their precinct and sample ballot by downloading the GeauxVote Mobile app for smartphones or by visiting www.sos.la.gov.
• Voters can also sign up for text alerts via the GeauxVote Mobile app.
• Voters should bring an ID with them to vote (Louisiana driver’s license, Louisiana Special ID card or another generally recognized picture identification card with your name and signature such as a passport). Voters without an ID will be required to fill out an affidavit, but will be allowed to vote.
• Election results can be viewed in real-time via the GeauxVote Mobile app and the Secretary of State’s website, www.sos.la.gov.

“We anticipate turnout on Saturday unfortunately to be very low based on historical data and early voting statistics,” said Secretary of State Tom Schedler. “I have indicated that I’ll happily eat crow if Louisiana’s voters prove me wrong, and I hope they do. Polls will be open all day Saturday and there is plenty of time to still participate in this important statewide election cycle. Every vote counts, so geaux vote!”

- www.sos.la.gov -

COMMISSIONER OF ELECTIONS HONORED FOR SERVICE

Commissioner of Elections for the State of Louisiana, Angie Rogers, was recognized Friday by the Civil Service League as this year’s Monte M. Lemann Award recipient. The Lemann Award is the highest civil service award given to administrators and unclassified employees in the state.

Rogers has served as commissioner of elections for the Louisiana Secretary of State’s Office for more than a decade. Under her leadership, the state has become a national model for election preparation, implementation, integrity and innovation. Roger’s career has always been steeped in elections, from her beginnings as staff attorney to the Louisiana Legislature’s House and Governmental Affairs Committee that oversees election laws, to her service as a Civil Division lawyer in the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office where she defended high profile election cases all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court.

“When Louisiana voters go to the polls to cast their ballot on Election Day, the person behind the scenes, ensuring not only each citizen’s right to vote, but also their right to a fair and impartial election system, is Angie Rogers,” said Secretary of State Tom Schedler. “There is no greater demonstration of democracy than fair and reliable elections, and Angie has been integral to that work here in Louisiana under the leadership of several secretaries of state, including myself. Angie’s legal background, coupled with her instinctive determination and focus, provide the perfect framework in overseeing Louisiana’s complex election system. Her influence in an area so critical to our nation’s core beliefs and values is immeasurable and touches the lives of every one of Louisiana’s three million registered voters,” Schedler emphasized.

This winter, Rogers will retire from the State of Louisiana and the Secretary of State’s Office. She is most noted for her work after Hurricane Katrina in making sure voters in New Orleans were able to participate in municipal elections despite extensive damage to hundreds of polling places as well as thousands of individuals displaced out of state. Additionally, she oversaw the implementation of new voting machines statewide in 2005 and has been influential in the vision for Louisiana’s next generation of technology that will soon be employed. During Roger’s tenure, Louisiana led the nation in innovative practices including online voter registration, real-time election night results reporting and an award winning smartphone app, GeauxVote Mobile.

###

EARLY VOTING TO CONTINUE AS NATE APPROACHES LOUISIANA

Secretary of State Tom Schedler says early voting across the state will continue through Saturday at 6 p.m. as Louisiana prepares for Nate. Schedler told registrars of voters this morning that he expects all offices to be able to complete early voting at 6 p.m. on Saturday with minimal impact due to the storm. La. R.S. 18:401.1 requires any suspension of early voting to be approved by both the secretary of state and the governor. Currently, only one early voting site, Pointe a la Hache in Plaquemines Parish, has closed due to evacuations. The other two early voting sites in Plaquemines Parish remain OPEN.

“While many parish governments are closing so that non-essential employees can prepare for the storm, early voting is considered an essential function and should continue as scheduled,” said Secretary of State Tom Schedler. “Our guidance at this time is, unless there is an imminent risk of an early voting site flooding or a mandatory evacuation called for an entire parish, early voting will be completed so that all voters can exercise their right to cast a ballot.”

Preparations continue to be made by elections officials across the state to protect their early voting/Election Day voting equipment and supplies from any potential storm impact or damage. Since Nate is expected to move through the state quickly, all election activities are anticipated to resume on Monday as the state prepares for the Saturday, Oct. 14 election.

“This storm certainly puts another wrinkle in our ability to predict overall turnout for the 14th,” said Schedler. “Overall, using historical and early voting data, I’m reducing my initial 20 percent turnout prediction because I believe we may struggle to get to 15-20 percent participation statewide. It will take all of the candidates and others encouraging voters to get out and cast a ballot to improve turnout on Election Day for sure.”

- www.sos.la.gov -

EARLY VOTING BEGINS SATURDAY FOR SPECIAL TREASUER’S RACE/MUNICIPAL PRIMARY ELECTIONS

Secretary of State Tom Schedler is encouraging all Louisianians eligible to vote in the special election to fill the state treasurer’s office vacated by John Kennedy to consider voting early. Early voting begins SATURDAY, SEPT. 30 and continues through SATURDAY, OCT. 7 from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, excluding Sunday, Oct. 1.

Voters should utilize Louisiana’s award-winning smartphone application, GeauxVote Mobile, to find out where to early vote as well as whether they are eligible to vote in this election. All 64 parishes statewide have the treasurer’s race and three constitutional amendments on the ballot for Oct. 14. Additionally, New Orleans has high profile municipal races including mayor and city council, while other elections of interest across the state include two state representative seats (districts 58 and 77), public service commissioner (District 2) and various municipal/local elections.

Citizens who want to vote early may do so in person at their parish Registrar of Voters Office or at other designated locations. For a complete listing of early voting locations visit https://voterportal.sos.la.gov/EarlyVoting.

- www.sos.la.gov -

Louisiana NOT Targeted or Hacked During 2016 Elections

BATON ROUGE, La.—Louisiana Secretary of State Tom Schedler confirms that he was notified today by the Department of Homeland Security that Louisiana was NOT one of the 21 states widely reported to have been targeted or hacked during the 2016 election cycle.

Earlier this year, DHS officials announced that 21 state elections system were targeted by Russian adversaries during the 2016 Presidential Election cycle. They did not, however, confirm publicly which states were involved. Secretaries of state throughout the country, including Secretary Schedler, have been critical of the federal government’s reluctance to release state-specific information to chief elections officers until today.

###

Oct. 14, 2017
Open Primary/Orleans Municipal Parochial Primary/Special Primary Election

The following is important information for the Oct. 14, 2017 Open Primary/Orleans Municipal Parochial Primary/Special Primary Election:

• The qualifying period is July 12-14. Local and municipal candidates qualify with the clerk of court in the parish in which they are registered to vote (contact your local clerk of court for office hours). State candidates qualify in the executive offices of Secretary of State Tom Schedler at 8585 Archives Ave. in Baton Rouge between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Qualifying fees must be paid in the form of cash; certified or cashier's check on a state or national bank or credit union; U.S. postal money order; or money order issued by a state or national bank or credit union and must be accompanied by the qualifying form.
• The deadline to register to vote in person or by mail is Sept. 13.
• The deadline to register to vote through the GeauxVote Online Registration System is Sept. 23.
• Early voting is Sept. 30 through Oct. 7 (except Sunday, Oct. 1) from 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
• The deadline to request an absentee by mail ballot is Oct. 10 by 4:30 p.m. Voters can request an absentee by mail ballot online through our Voter Portal or in writing through your Registrar of Voters Office (other than military and overseas voters).
• The deadline for a registrar of voters to receive a voted mail ballot is Oct. 13 by 4:30 p.m. (other than military and overseas voters).

• Monday, Aug. 21 from 8:30-10 a.m.
  Bayou L'Ourse Supermarket
• Tuesday, Aug. 22 from 8:30-10 a.m.
  Big B's Supermarket
• Wednesday, Aug. 23 from 10-11:30 a.m.
  Pierre Part Library
• Thursday, Aug. 24 from 1-2:30 p.m.
  Labadieville Library
• Friday, Aug. 25 from 9:30-11 a.m.
  Dollar General-Spur

• Tuesday, Aug. 22 from 9-9:30 a.m.
  Castor Branch Library and Castor High School
• Tuesday, Aug. 22 from 10:30-11 a.m.
  Saline Branch Library and Saline High School
• Thursday, Aug. 24 from 9:30-10:30 a.m.
  Ringgold Branch Library
• Thursday, Aug. 24 from 10:45-11 a.m.
  Bienville Parish Courthouse Annex
• Friday, Aug. 25 from 9:30-10:30 a.m.
  VF Factory Outlet Mall

• Monday, Aug. 21 from 9:30-11 a.m.
  Haughton Library, 226 W. McKinley St., Haughton, LA 71037
• Monday, Aug. 21 from 12:30-2 p.m.
  East 80 Library, 1050 Bellevue Road, Haughton, LA 71037
• Tuesday, Aug. 22 from 1-3 p.m.
  Plain Dealing Library, 208 E. Mary Lee St., Plain Dealing, LA 71064
• Wednesday, Aug. 23 from 9:30-11 a.m.
  Council on Aging, 706 Bearkat Drive, Bossier City, LA 71111
• Wednesday, Aug. 23 from 2:30-4:30 p.m.
  Benton Library, 115 Courthouse Drive, Benton, LA 71006
• Thursday, Aug. 24 from 9-11 a.m.
  Northwest Louisiana Veterans Home, 3130 Arthur Ray Teague Parkway, Bossier City, LA 71112
• Thursday, Aug. 24 from 1-3 p.m.
  Central Library, 2600 Beckett St., Bossier City, LA 71111
• Friday, Aug. 25 from 9:30-11:30 a.m.
  Aulds Library, 3920 Wayne Ave., Bossier City, LA 71112
• Friday, Aug. 25 from 1-3 p.m.
  Anna P. Tooke Library, 451 Fairview Point Road, Elm Grove, LA 71051

• Monday, Aug. 21 from 1-6 p.m.
  Bluebonnet Regional Branch Library, 9200 Bluebonnet Blvd.
• Monday, Aug. 21 from 1-6 p.m.
  Scotlandville Branch Library, 7373 Scenic Highway
• Tuesday, Aug. 22 from 1-6 p.m.
  Central Branch Library, 11260 Joor Road
• Tuesday, Aug. 22 from 1-6 p.m.
  Fairwood Branch Library, 12910 Old Hammond Highway
• Tuesday, Aug. 22 from 1-6 p.m.
  Zachary Branch Library, 1900 Church St.
• Wednesday, Aug. 23 from 1-6 p.m.
  Carver Branch Library, 720 Terrace St.
• Wednesday, Aug. 23 from 1-6 p.m.
  Delmont Gardens Branch Library, 3351 Lorraine St.
• Wednesday, Aug. 23 from 1-6 p.m.
  Main Library, 7711 Goodwood Blvd.
• Thursday, Aug. 24 from 1-6 p.m.
  Pride-Chaneyville Branch Library, 13600 Pride-Port Hudson Road
• Thursday, Aug. 24 from 1-6 p.m.
  Eden Park Branch Library, 5131 Greenwell Springs Road
• Thursday, Aug. 24 from 1-6 p.m.
  Greenwell Springs Road Regional Branch Library, 11300 Greenwell Springs Road
• Friday, Aug. 25 from 1-6 p.m.
  Jones Creek Regional Branch Library, 6222 Jones Creek Road
• Friday, Aug. 25 from 1-6 p.m.
  Baker Branch Library, 3501 Groom Road

• Wednesday, Aug. 23 from 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
  Iberville Parish Registrar of Voters Office, 58050 Meriam St., Plaquemine, LA 70764-2717

• Monday, Aug. 21-Friday, Aug. 25 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
  Lakeside Shopping Center Mall, 3301 Veterans Memorial Blvd., Metairie
• Monday, Aug. 21-Friday, Aug. 25 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
  East Jefferson Regional Library, 4747 W. Napoleon Ave., Metairie
• Monday, Aug. 21-Friday, Aug. 25 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
  Oakwood Shopping Center Mall, 197 Westbank Expressway, Gretna
• Monday, Aug. 21-Friday, Aug. 25 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
  West Jefferson Regional Library, 2751 Manhattan Blvd., Harvey
• Registration applications are available at all Jefferson Parish public libraries as well as at the following locations:
  • Kenner City Hall, 1801 Williams Blvd., Kenner
  • Harahan City Hall, 6437 Jefferson Highway, Harahan
  • Gretna City Hall, 200 Huey P. Long Ave., Gretna
  • Westwego City Hall, 419 Avenue A, Westwego 

• Monday, Aug. 21 from 9:30-11:30 a.m.
  Lafayette Parish WD Smith Career Center, 200 18th St., Lafayette, LA 70501
• Tuesday, Aug. 22 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
  Moss Street Post Office, 1105 Moss St., Lafayette, LA 70501
• Wednesday, Aug. 23 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
  Energy Station Post Office, 455 Feu Follet Road, Lafayette, LA 70508
• Thursday, Aug. 24 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
  South Regional Library, 6101 Johnston St., Lafayette, LA 70503
• Friday, Aug. 25 from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
  Lafayette Parish Registrar of Voters Office, 1010 Lafayette St., Suite 313, Lafayette, LA 70501

• Monday, Aug. 21 from 9:30 a.m.-noon
  Voting Machine Warehouse, 1450 Tiger Drive, Thibodaux
• Monday, Aug. 21 from 10 a.m.-noon
  South Lafourche Library, 16241 E. Main, Galliano
• Tuesday, Aug. 22 from 1-3:30 p.m.
  Choctaw Library, 1887 Choctaw Road, Choctaw
• Tuesday, Aug. 22 from 3:30-4:30 p.m.
  Lafourche Government Complex, 4876 Highway 1, Mathews
• Wednesday, Aug. 23 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
  Registrar of Voters Office, 307 W. Fourth St., Thibodaux
• Thursday, Aug. 24 from 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
  NSU Welcome Back Day, Student Union Building
• Friday, Aug. 25 from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
  Registrar of Voters Office, 16241 E. Main, B-23, Galliano
• Tuesday, Aug. 29 from 7 a.m. until
  South Lafourche High School, 16911 E. Main, Galliano
• Wednesday, Aug. 30 from 7 a.m. until
  Central Lafourche High School, 4820 Highway 1, Mathews

Orleans Parish

• Monday, Aug. 21 from 10 a.m.-noon
  Uptown Health Care
• Monday, Aug. 21 from 10-11:45 a.m.
  Home Life in the Gardens
• Monday, Aug. 21 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
  Algiers Regional Library
• Tuesday, Aug. 22 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
  Delgado Community College (Westbank Campus)
• Tuesday, Aug. 22 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
  Main Library
• Tuesday, Aug. 22 from 11:30-2 p.m.
  Edna Karr High School
• Wednesday, Aug. 23 from 9-11 a.m.
  Mary Queen of Vietnam Church
• Wednesday, Aug. 23 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
  Loyola University
• Wednesday, Aug. 23 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
  Norman Mayer Library
• Wednesday, Aug. 23 from 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m.
  Benjamin Franklin High School
• Thursday, Aug. 24 from 9-11 a.m.
  St. Joseph Catholic Church
• Thursday, Aug. 24 from 11 a.m.-noon
  University of New Orleans
• Thursday, Aug. 24 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
  Rosa F. Keller Library
• Friday, Aug. 25 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
  Broad Community Connection
• Friday, Aug. 25 from 10:30-11:30 a.m.
  Citizens Ceremony
• Friday, Aug. 25 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
  Broad Community Connection

Rapides Parish

• Monday, Aug. 21 at 10 a.m.
  Rapides Parish Senior Citizens Center, 209 E. Shamrock St., Pineville, LA 71360
• Monday, Aug. 21 at 10 a.m.
  Ball Senior Citizen Center, 100 Municipal Lane, Ball, LA 71405
• Monday, Aug. 21 at 11 a.m.
  Rapides Council on Aging, Inc., 204 Chester St., Alexandria, LA 71301
• Tuesday, Aug. 22 at 10 a.m.
  MLK Senior Citizen Center, 3807 Smash Ave., Alexandria, LA 71302
• Tuesday, Aug. 22 at 11 a.m.
  Rapides Senior Citizens Center, 315 Bolton Ave., Alexandria, LA 71301
• Tuesday, Aug. 22 at 6 p.m.
  Kees Park, 2608 Highway 28 East, Pineville, LA 71360
• Wednesday, Aug. 23 at 10 a.m.
  Alexandria Main Library, 411 Washington St., Alexandria, LA 71301
• Wednesday, Aug. 23 at 10 a.m.
  MLK Library, 1115 Broadway Ave., Alexandria, LA 71302
• Wednesday, Aug. 23 at 11 a.m.
  Westside Regional Library, Pineville
• Thursday, Aug. 24 at 10 a.m.
  Martin Library, 801 W. Shamrock Ave., Pineville, LA 71360
• Thursday, Aug. 24 at 1 p.m.
  Robertson Library Branch, 809 Tioga High Road, Tioga
• Thursday, Aug. 24 at 2 p.m.
  Gunter Library Branch, 5630 Holloway Road, Libuse
• Friday, Aug. 25 at 10 a.m.
  Boyce Library Branch, 500 #A Lietrim Ave., Boyce, LA 71409
• Friday, Aug. 25 at 2 p.m.
  Hineston Library Branch, 1810 Highway 121, Hineston

St. Charles Parish

• Tuesday, Aug. 22 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
  Killona Community Center, 201 Highway 3141, Killona, LA 70057
• Thursday, Aug. 24 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
  St. Rose Community Center, 608 Mockingbird Lane, St. Rose, LA 70087

St. Helena Parish

• Monday, Aug. 21-Friday, Aug. 25 from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
  St. Helena Parish Registrar of Voters Office, NFC Building, First Floor, 48 Kendrick St., Greensburg
• Monday, Aug. 21 from 9:30-10:30 a.m.
  Audubon Regional Library, Greensburg
• Monday, Aug. 21 from 11 a.m.-noon
  Amite Plaza, 30006 Highway 16, Amite
• Tuesday, Aug. 22 from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
  Hatfield's Country Store, 24358 Highway 43, Greensburg (Easleyville)
• Tuesday, Aug. 22 from 1:15-2:30 p.m.
  Bebo's Truck Stop, 2938 Highway 38, Kentwood
• Wednesday, Aug. 23 from 12:30-1:30 p.m.
  Dollar General, Montpelier
• Wednesday, Aug. 23 from 2-3:30 p.m.
  Lee's Grocery, 47785 Highway 16, Denham Springs (Dennis Mills)
• Thursday, Aug. 24 from 11 a.m.-noon
  St. Helena College and Career Academy, 14340 Highway 37, Greensburg

Terrebonne Parish

• Monday, Aug. 21 from 2-3:30 p.m.
  North Branch Library, 4130 W. Park Ave., Gray
• Tuesday, Aug. 22 from 7:30-8:30 a.m.
  Terrebonne High School, 7318 Main St. 
• Tuesday, Aug. 22 from 10-11:30 a.m.
  Fletcher Technical Community College, 1407 Highway 311
• Tuesday, Aug. 22 from 2-3:30 p.m.
  Terrebonne Parish Main Library, 151 Library Drive
• Wednesday, Aug. 23 from 10-11:30 a.m.
  Fletcher Houma Facility, 310 St. Charles St.
• Thursday, Aug. 24 from 9-10 a.m.
  Chateau-Terrebonne Nursing Home, 1386 W. Tunnel Blvd.
• Thursday, Aug. 24 from 2-3:30 p.m.
  East Houma Library, 778 Grand Caillou Road
• Friday, Aug. 25 from 7:30-8:30 a.m.
  South Terrebonne High School, 3879 Highway 24

VOTER REGISTRATION WEEK 2017 BEGINS AUG. 21

BATON ROUGE, La.—Secretary of State Tom Schedler is joining registrars of voters across the state the week of Aug. 21-25, 2017 to host Voter Registration Week activities aimed at registering eligible citizens to vote. The next regularly scheduled election in Louisiana is the Statewide Special and Open/Orleans Municipal Parochial Primary on Oct. 14, 2017.

“Registering to vote is a right we should all cherish, and we’ve made it quick and easy to do so,” said Secretary of State Tom Schedler. “While this year is a slow election cycle for many communities, Louisiana will be electing a state treasurer this fall as well as hosting many local elections, propositions and constitutional amendments on the ballot. The first step in participating in government is to make sure you’re registered to vote and if not, now is a great time to do it. Then on Election Day it’s easy to GeauxVote!”

Louisiana was one of the first states in the nation to implement an easy, convenient online voter registration portal. Citizens with a valid Louisiana driver’s license can register online 24 hours a day, seven days a week from the convenience of their home or office by visiting https://voterportal.sos.la.gov.

Residents of Louisiana can also register in person at their parish Registrar of Voters Office, when they apply for/renewing their driver’s license at any Office of Motor Vehicles or when obtaining services at public assistance agencies and Armed Forces recruitment offices. Citizens wishing to register by mail can download and print the application at http://www.sos.la.gov/ElectionsAndVoting/PublishedDocuments/ApplicationToRegisterToVote.pdf, or complete an application found at public libraries or through registration drives.

To register and vote in Louisiana individuals must:

• be a U.S. citizen;
• be at least 17 years old (16 years old if registering in person at the Registrar of Voters Office or at the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles) to register and 18 years old prior to the next election to vote;
• not be under an order of imprisonment for conviction of a felony;
• not be under a judgment of full interdiction for mental incompetence or partial interdiction with suspension of voting rights;
• be a resident in the state and parish in which you seek to register and vote; and
• complete the process at least 20 days prior to an election if registering online or 30 days prior to an election if registering in person or by mail.

For a complete listing of activities in individual parishes, visit http://www.sos.la.gov/Pages/NewsAndEvents.aspx#faq166.

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SPECIAL ELECTION FOR SENATE DISTRICT 2 TOMORROW

Secretary of State Tom Schedler reminds all registered Louisiana voters that runoff for Senate District 2 will be held this Saturday, May 27 in eight parishes across the state. Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m.

Below are several reminders to assist in your coverage of Election Day activities and results:

• Remind voters to download our GeauxVote Mobile smartphone app to sign up for Election Day text notifications, find polling locations, review sample ballots and monitor election results in real-time.
• Sample ballots are also available via our website at www.sos.la.gov.
• Real-time election results will be posted to our website in several formats: graphical, text and mobile. Graphical results will not display for Apple users. Allow three to five minutes between refreshing the results site for optimal functionality. Remember, the results must be transported from the polling locations to the Clerk of Court’s Office and downloaded before populating our website.

Parishes within the 2nd Senatorial District include Ascension, Assumption, Iberville, Lafourche, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist and West Baton Rouge.

- www.sos.la.gov -

EARLY VOTING BEGINS SATURDAY FOR SPECIAL SENATE ELECTION RUNOFF

Secretary of State Tom Schedler is encouraging all Louisianians eligible to vote in the special election to fill the 2^nd Senatorial District seat vacated by Troy Brown to consider voting early. Early voting begins SATURDAY, MAY 13 and continues through SATURDAY, MAY 20 from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, excluding Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 14.

Voters should utilize Louisiana’s award-winning smartphone application, GeauxVote Mobile, to find out where to early vote as well as whether they are eligible to vote in this special election. Parishes within the 2^nd Senatorial District include Ascension, Assumption, Iberville, Lafourche, St. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist and West Baton Rouge.

Citizens who want to vote early may do so in person at their parish Registrar of Voters Office or at other designated locations. For a complete listing of early voting locations visit https://voterportal.sos.la.gov/EarlyVoting.

- www.sos.la.gov -

SPRING GENERAL AND SPECIAL SENATE ELECTIONS THIS SATURDAY!

Secretary of State Tom Schedler reminds all registered Louisiana voters that municipal general elections and a special Senate District 2 primary election will be held this Saturday, March 29 in 46 parishes across the state. Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m.

Below are several reminders to assist in your coverage of Election Day activities and results:

• Remind voters to download our GeauxVote Mobile smartphone app to sign up for Election Day text notifications, find polling locations, review sample ballots and monitor election results in real-time.
• Sample ballots are also available via our website at www.sos.la.gov.
• Real-time election results will be posted to our website in several formats (graphical, text and mobile). Graphical results will not display for Apple users.

Allow three to five minutes between refreshing the results site for optimal functionality. Remember, the results must be transported from the polling locations to the Clerk of Court’s Office and downloaded before populating our website.

In addition to a variety of local candidate and proposition elections in 46 parishes*, there is one open State Representative seat in District 8 and the primary election for Senate District 2 vacated by Troy Brown, which could be of regional interest. The runoff for Senate District 2, if necessary, is scheduled for Saturday, May 27.

- www.sos.la.gov -

*Parishes with elections include, Acadia, Allen, Ascension, Assumption, Beauregard, Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Cameron, Calcasieu, Caldwell, Catahoula, Concordia, East Baton Rouge, East Carroll, Evangeline, Grant, Iberia, Iberville, Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, Lafourche, LaSalle, Lincoln, Livingston, Morehouse, Natchitoches, Orleans, Rapides, Richland, Sabine, St. Charles, St. James, St. John, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Terrebonne, Union, Vermilion, Webster, Washington, West Baton Rouge and Winn.

• Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. Anyone in line at 8 p.m. will be allowed to vote.
• Voters can find their precinct and sample ballot by downloading the GeauxVote Mobile app for smartphones or by visiting www.sos.la.gov.
• Voters can also sign up for text alerts via GeauxVote Mobile.
• Voters should bring an I.D. with them to vote (Louisiana Driver’s License, Louisiana Special I.D. card or another generally recognized picture identification card with your name and signature such as a passport). Voters without an I.D. will be required to fill out an affidavit, but will be allowed to vote.
• Election results can be viewed in real-time via GeauxVote Mobile and the secretary of state’s website at www.sos.la.gov.

Parishes with elections include: Acadia, Allen, Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Calcasieu, Caldwell, East Carroll, East Feliciana, Evangeline, Grant, Iberia, Jackson, Jefferson Davis, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lafourche, LaSalle, Livingston, Morehouse, Natchitoches, Ouachita, Orleans, Pointe Coupee, Rapides, Richland, Sabine, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. John, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Tensas and Vermilion.

- www.sos.la.gov -

*NOTE: The Secretary of State’s Communications Office will be staffed by Public Information Officer Brandee Patrick on Election Night. Media with questions should contact her at brandee.patrick@sos.la.gov or 225.362.5111.

Secretary of State Tom Schedler reminds everyone that SATURDAY, DEC. 10 is Election Day across the state. Eligible voters will be casting ballots for the U.S. Senate, the 3^rd and 4^th Congressional Districts, municipal races across the state and 156 propositions in 44 parishes. Since this is a Saturday election, the polls open at 7 A.M.

In preparation for Tuesday’s election activities, Secretary Schedler is encouraging voters to remember:

• Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. Anyone in line at 8 p.m. will be allowed to vote.   
• Voters can find their precinct and sample ballot by downloading the GeauxVote Mobile app for smartphones or by visiting www.sos.la.gov.
• Voters can also sign up for text alerts via GeauxVote Mobile.
• Voters should bring an ID with them to vote (Louisiana driver’s license, Louisiana Special ID card or another generally recognized picture identification card with your name and signature such as a passport). Voters without an ID will be required to fill out an affidavit, but will be allowed to vote.
• Voters will receive a limited-edition I Voted sticker featuring Louisiana artist George Rodrigue’s beloved Blue Dog.
• Election results can be viewed in real-time via the GeauxVote app and the Secretary of State’s website at www.sos.la.gov.

“Based on historical voting patterns and participation in early voting, we are anticipating statewide turnout of just below 30 percent which is significantly lower than we saw in November,” says Secretary of State Tom Schedler. “There are still many important elections to be decided in our state, so I encourage everyone to go exercise their right to vote and to educate themselves on the candidates and the issues before going to the polls. Every vote counts, so geaux vote!”

- www.sos.la.gov -

• Polls open at 6 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. Anyone in line at 8 p.m. will be allowed to vote.
• Voters can find their precinct and sample ballot by downloading the GeauxVote Mobile app for smartphones or by visiting www.sos.la.gov.
• Voters can also sign up for text alerts via the GeauxVote Mobile app.
• Voters should bring an ID with them to vote (Louisiana driver’s license, Louisiana Special ID card or another generally recognized picture identification card with your name and signature such as a passport). Voters without an ID will be required to fill out an affidavit, but will be allowed to vote.
• Voters will receive a limited-edition I Voted sticker featuring Louisiana artist George Rodrigue’s beloved Blue Dog.
• Ballot selfies are legal, but voters are reminded to be courteous of voters waiting in line. Remember, your ballot is protected and private unless you disclose it.
• Election results can be viewed in real-time via the GeauxVote Mobile app and the Secretary of State’s website, www.sos.la.gov.

“We anticipate a strong turnout on Tuesday across the state perhaps surpassing our 2012 record of 67.9 percent,” says Secretary of State Tom Schedler. “This is an election like no other in our nation, and I encourage everyone to go exercise their right to vote and to educate themselves on the candidates and the issues before going to the polls so we can minimize wait times. Every vote counts, so geaux vote!”

- www.sos.la.gov -

STATE ARCHIVES OFFERS ADVICE FOR SALVAGING FLOODED DOCUMENTS AND PHOTOGRAPHS

BATON ROUGE, La.—The Louisiana State Archives, under the direction of Secretary of State Tom Schedler, is offering advice for citizens trying to recover flooded documents and photographs across south Louisiana. Specific directions for all kinds of records, including photographs, can be found on the homepage of the secretary of state’s website at www.sos.la.gov.

Below are some basic steps to salvage water damaged documents:

• If items have been submerged, leave them submerged until they can be air dried or frozen. Move to clean water if possible.
• Air dry flat in small piles (1/2 inch) or individually if possible. Move into an area where the air is circulating if possible. Use fans if available. Do not direct stream of air onto documents but into the room to keep air moving. Screens can be laid on top to prevent items from blowing around.
• Put wet material on an absorbent layer of blotter material like blank newsprint or paper towels. Change blotting material beneath the materials as it becomes soaked. If small clumps of records are fanned out to dry, they should be turned every few hours to encourage evaporation from both sides.
• If the volume of material is great, freeze those items which cannot be air dried within 48 hours. The material can then be unthawed when you have the time and materials to air dry. This can be accomplished with a common household freezer. If items can be left in the freezer for a few months, they will dry themselves through a process called sublimation.

• In general, wet photographs should be air dried or frozen as quickly as possible.
• Separate photographs from their enclosures, frames and from each other. If they are stuck together or adhered to glass, set them aside for freezing.
• Spread photographs out to dry, face up, laying them flat on an absorbent material such as blotters, unprinted newsprint, paper towels or a clean cloth.
• Keep the air around the drying materials moving at all times. Fans will speed up the drying process and minimize the risk of mold growth.
• Negatives should be dried vertically. They can be hung on a line with plastic clips placed at the edges.
• Photos may curl during drying. They can be flattened later.
• Photos that are stuck together can be frozen by wrapping them in wax paper.
• Later, as stacks of photos are thawed, individual photographs can be carefully peeled from the group and placed face up on a clean, absorbent surface to air dry.