​

September 20, 2021

SECRETARY ARDOIN TO TRAVEL TO AREAS IMPACTED BY HURRICANE IDA​

BATON ROUGE, La. — Louisiana Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin announced that he will visit several parishes in South Louisiana that were affected by Hurricane Ida, beginning Tuesday, September 21 and ending Thursday, September 23.

“Our communities were ravaged by Hurricane Ida. The storm might have passed, but we still have work to do getting some of our operations and facilities back in working order," Ardoin said. “I want to hear directly from our local officials about what remains to be done to get our Registrar of Voters and Clerk of Court offices, early voting locations and Election Day polling places ready for the fall elections on November 13."

Secretary Ardoin will be traveling to 10 of the parishes affected by Hurricane Ida. His tentative schedule is as follows::

Tuesday, September 21

• Orleans Parish Criminal District Courthouse, Orleans Parish, 10 a.m.
• Lafitte Town Hall, Jefferson Parish, 11:30 a.m.
• St. Charles Emergency Operations Center Office, St. Charles Parish, 1:30 p.m.
• Edgard Courthouse, St. John the Baptist Parish, 3 p.m.
• St. James Parish Warehouse, 4 p.m.

Wednesday, September 22

• St. Helena Clerk of Court, St. Helena Parish, 10 a.m.
• Amite Courthouse, Tangipahoa Parish, 11:30 a.m.
• St. Tammany Justice Center, St. Tammany Parish, 2 p.m.

Thursday, September 23

• Matthews Government Complex, Lafourche Parish, 10 a.m.
• Terrebonne Parish Government Tower, Terrebonne Parish, 1 p.m.

For press availability, please contact Kaylee Trisler at 225.362.5086 or kaylee.trisler@sos.la.gov.

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​Executive Order 2021 JBE 13 Rescheduling Fall Elections​

​

SECRETARY OF STATE ARDOIN ANNOUNCES RESCHEDULING OF FALL 2021 ELECTIONS

September 8, 2021

Baton Rouge, LA – Today, Louisiana Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin announced that Governor John Bel Edwards has agreed with his recommendation to reschedule the fall 2021 elections in light of the devastation brought on by Hurricane Ida. 

“I am thankful that the Governor has recognized the importance of our recommendation to move the October 9 election to November 13 and the November 13 election to December 11," Secretary Ardoin said. “This will allow our staff and local partners more time to properly prepare for a statewide election while ensuring the integrity of our election processes and that our voters' traditional voting habits are as undisturbed as possible."

Further announcements including an emergency certification and election-related deadlines are forthcoming.

-sos.la.gov-​

​

September 7, 2021

SECRETARY OF STATE ARDOIN CALLS ON GOVERNOR TO RESCHEDULE FALL 2021 ELECTIONS​

Baton Rouge, LA – Today, Louisiana Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin met with Governor John Bel Edwards and requested that the Governor reschedule the October 9 election for November 13 and the November 13 election for December 11.

“With a number of deadlines forthcoming, such as voter registration deadlines, and early voting set to commence in less than three weeks, I am calling on Governor Edwards to approve rescheduling the October 9 and November 13 elections," Secretary Ardoin said. “A number of issues stemming from Hurricane Ida's devastation, including questions about nursing home operations, postal service delivery, extensive power outages, polling location damages, and election commissioners and staff members still displaced, would make holding the election on its original dates virtually impossible without impairing the integrity of the election."

A number of local election officials and civic groups have expressed support for rescheduling the October 9 and November 13 elections.

-sos.la.gov-​

​

SECRETARY ARDOIN POSTPONES VOTING SYSTEM COMMISSION MEETING

August 30, 2021

BATON ROUGE, La.— As a result of the impact of Hurricane Ida, Secretary Ardoin has postponed the inaugural meeting of the Louisiana Voting System Commission (VSC), originally scheduled to meet at 10:00 a.m. on September 1, 2021 in the Hainkel Meeting Room of the Louisiana Senate. 

“Due to the myriad impact of Hurricane Ida throughout Southeast Louisiana and other parts of the state, I am postponing the first meeting of the VSC to allow theCommission and interested members of the public the opportunity to assess their individual circumstances at this time,” said Ardoin. “Because Act 480 of the 2021 Legislature requires the VSC to begin considerations on or before September 1, 2021, I have asked Governor John Bel Edwards to suspend that provision of Act 480 in his next emergency declaration.” 

The Louisiana Secretary of State  has responsibilitiesfor Elections, Business Services, Notarial Licensing, the Louisiana State Archives and a number of State Museums including the Old State Capitol and Louisiana State Exhibit Museum. In addition to inspecting all polling locations, early voting sites and Registrar of Votersoffices across the state, our staff is inspecting our facilities and working to protect state assets at our offices​, warehouses and museums.

- www.sos.la.gov -

​

July 26, 2021

QUALIFYING FOR STATE HOUSE AND SENATE SPECIAL ELECTION​

BATON ROUGE, La. — Qualifying for the special election to fill the House District 16 State Representative and State Senate District 27 vacancies will be held Wednesday, July 28 through Friday, July 30. Candidates will 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).

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 special primary election will be held on Saturday, October 9, 2021 and the general election will be held November 13, 2021.

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

- www.sos.la.gov -

VOTER REGISTRATION DEADLINES FOR THE JUNE 12 SPECIAL PRIMARY​

BATON ROUGE, La. — Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin is reminding Louisianians that the deadlines to register to vote in the June 12 Special Primary for State Senate District 7 are fast approaching. The in-person or by mail registration deadline is Wednesday, May 12, and the deadline for registering through the GeauxVote Online Registration System is Saturday, May 22. These deadlines are for citizens who have never registered to vote as well as voters who would like to make changes to their registration.

Citizens may check their registration or register to vote online at www.GeauxVote.com; at your parish's Registrar of Voters Office; while obtaining services at the Office of Motor Vehicles, public assistance agencies, public schools, colleges and libraries; or by mail. Louisianians can also utilize our smartphone app, GeauxVote Mobile, to access registration, ballot and polling place information.

After registering, voters should download the GeauxVote Mobile smartphone app. The app provides registration information as well as voting districts, sample ballots, polling place information and election results.

Early voting for the June 12 election is scheduled for Friday, May 28 through Saturday, June 5 (excluding Sunday, May 30 and Memorial Day, May 31), from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. For more information about the Secretary of State's Elections Division, visit www.GeauxVote.com or call 225.922.0900.

- www.sos.la.gov -

​ELECTION DAY REMINDERS FOR JUNE 12 SPECIAL PRIMARY ELECTION

BATON ROUGE, La. — Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin is reminding everyone that Saturday, June 12, 2021 is Election Day for the State Senate District 7 Special Primary. There are three parishes in which voters will participate: Jefferson, Orleans and Plaquemines. Voters are encouraged to visit www.GeauxVote.com to determine whether their precinct is included in this special election.

 In preparation for the June 12 special election, Secretary Ardoin encourages 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 may also utilize the virtual voter assistant, GeauxBot, to access pertinent election information. GeauxBot is accessible by visiting voterportal.sos.la.gov or by selecting Elections and Voting on sos.la.gov.
• Voters can 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 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 -

​MEDIA ADVISORY: SECRETARY OF STATE TO TEST ELECTION RESULTS FOR THE APRIL 24 ELECTION

​April 15, 2021

BATON ROUGE, La. — Ahead of the upcoming April 24 election, Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin's office will test its electronic election results system on Tuesday, April 20 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 in conjunction with our testing 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 an effort to combat misinformation, we urge outlets to put banners on their websites showing their readers/viewers that the results are only test results and not official.

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 Tamisha Ashworth in the Communications Office at 225.362.5108 or tamisha.ashworth@sos.la.gov.

Finally, the Communications Office for Election Day will be staffed by Deputy Secretary, Communications John W. Tobler and Public Information Officer Tamisha Ashworth. Tobler can be reached at 225.362.5111 (office) or john.tobler@sos.la.gov. Ashworth can be reached at the information listed above.

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​ABSENTEE BALLOT DEADLINES FOR THE APRIL 24 ELECTION

April 15, 2021

BATON ROUGE, La. — Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin is reminding voters of the upcoming absentee ballot deadlines.

The deadline to request an absentee ballot is Tuesday, April 20 at 4:30 pm. Requests can be made online by visiting voterportal.sos.la.gov and selecting “Request Absentee Ballot," or in person at the parish registrar of voters office. Voters who have requested but not yet received an absentee ballot may check their absentee ballot status by visiting voterportal.sos.la.gov, entering the appropriate voter information and selecting “Check Absentee Ballot Status."

The deadline to return a completed ballot is Friday, April 23 at 4:30 pm. This instructional video shows step-by-step how to properly fill out and return an absentee ballot. Completed ballots can be returned to the parish registrar of voters by mail, in-person by the voter or by a voter's immediate family member. Should a voter be unable to meet an absentee ballot deadline, they can still vote in-person on Election Day. Polling locations can also be found on voterportal.sos.la.gov or on the free GeauxVote mobile app.

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

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​EARLY VOTING BEGINS APRIL 10 FOR THE APRIL 24 ELECTION​

April 9, 2021

BATON ROUGE, La. — Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin is reminding voters that early voting begins Saturday, April 10, and continues through Saturday, April 17 from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, excluding Sunday, April 11. Citizens who want to vote early may do so in person at the parish Registrar of Voters Office or at other designated locations. 

• Five parishes will vote in both multi-parish races (such as United States Representative) and local/municipal offices: DeSoto, Jefferson, Morehouse, Sabine and Winn.
• 21 parishes will vote only on state offices (such as United States Representative): Ascension, Assumption, Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, East Baton Rouge, East Carroll, Iberville, Madison, Natchitoches, Orleans, Ouachita, Red River, St. Charles, St. James, St. John, Tensas, Vernon, Webster, West Baton Rouge and West Carroll.
• Two parishes will vote only on local/municipal offices: Calcasieu and Lafourche.
• 13 parishes will have proposition elections only: Acadia, Allen, Evangeline, Franklin, Iberia, Jackson, Livingston, Richland, St. Bernard, St. Helena, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa and Vermilion.
• 23 parishes will have no elections: Avoyelles, Beauregard, Caldwell, Cameron, Catahoula, Claiborne, Concordia, East Feliciana, Grant, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, LaSalle, Lincoln, Plaquemines, Pointe Coupee, Rapides, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, Terrebonne, Union, Washington and West Feliciana.
  

Voters are encouraged to utilize Louisiana's award-winning, free smartphone app, GeauxVote Mobile, to locate parish early voting locations, Election Day voting site, or view their sample ballot. GeauxBot, the virtual voter assistant, is also available to access pertinent election information such as registration deadlines, election dates, polling locations, and hours. GeauxBot is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by visiting voterportal.sos.la.gov or by selecting Elections and Voting on sos.la.gov.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, our polling commissioners will be supplied with personal protective equipment and will regularly sanitize designated areas and wipe down voting machines between each voter. Hand sanitizer will be provided to voters and masks are recommended, although not required.

In addition to a Louisiana driver's license, a Louisiana Special ID or a generally recognized ID with picture and signature, voters may use a digital license via LA Wallet.

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

​SECRETARY ARDOIN ANNOUNCES THE LOUISIANA COMMISSION ON ELECTION INTEGRITY AND VOTING

April 6, 2021

BATON ROUGE, La. — In an effort to ensure Louisiana's continued confidence in election administration, Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin announces the formation of the Louisiana Commission on Election Integrity and Voting.

“Despite the challenges brought on by natural disasters and a global pandemic, the 2020 Presidential election in Louisiana was free from controversy as seen in other states around the country," Ardoin said. “With a record turnout of 70.1% in approximately 4,000 precincts across the state, our results were fully uploaded just after midnight."

In the months since the Presidential election, despite being a national leader in election administration, questions have been raised regarding the integrity of Louisiana's election processes and procedures by voters concerned with stories of voting issues in other parts of the country.

This bipartisan commission seeks to provide an overview of our election processes and answer these questions for the people of Louisiana:​

• How do we assure continued confidence in our elections?
• How do we combat voter fatigue?
• How do we improve voters' experiences?
  

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ARDOIN CONTRIBUTES TO REPORT BY REPUBLICAN STATE LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE

April 6, 2021

BATON ROUGE, LA – Louisiana Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin announced his contribution to a report on election integrity, published by the Republican State Leadership Committee (RSLC). In a first-of-its-kind report, the RSLC has provided a roadmap which encourages states to adopt measures that embody key principles aimed at ensuring voter access and participation without sacrificing security, fairness, or transparency. This commission's ongoing efforts recognize the importance of each state's sovereign right to effectively manage their own elections.

“I was pleased to contribute to this report, cataloging a wide variety of statutory and procedural best practices in Louisiana and other states throughout the country," said Ardoin. “The work done by this commission provides a direct conduit for state legislatures and secretaries of state to work together and restore voter confidence."

Among the report's proposed “best practices," Louisiana has already implemented:

• Post-election audits.
• Seven days of early voting at 104 sites across the state.
• Maintenance of voter registration list through cooperation with government partners.
• Photo ID requirements.
• Allowing representatives from campaigns to serve as poll watchers.
• Pre-election testing of machines by the bipartisan Board of Election Supervisors, which is open to the public.
• Allowing any registered voter to be trained and serve as a poll commissioner, either during early voting or on Election Day.
• A robust system of communicating with voters to keep voters engaged and to provide accurate information about elections.​
  

Among the report's proposed “best practices," Secretary Ardoin has proposed:

• Legislation to require the Louisiana Department of Health to share additional information concerning death records with the Department of State to ensure the continued accuracy of the voter registration list.

• Requiring any future voting machine in Louisiana to have a voter verifiable paper audit trail (VVPAT).
• A more robust system of electronically verifying signatures on absentee ballots.
  

A copy of the report can be found here.

- www.sos.la.gov -

​VOTER REGISTRATION DEADLINES FOR THE APRIL 24 ELECTION

March 24, 2021

Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin is reminding Louisianians that the deadlines to register to vote in the April 24 Municipal General and Special Congressional General election are fast approaching. The in-person or by mail deadline is today, March 24, and the online deadline is Saturday, April 3. These deadlines are for citizens who have never registered to vote as well as voters who would like to make changes to their registration.

Citizens may check their registration or register to vote online at www.GeauxVote.com; at your parish's Registrar of Voters Office; while obtaining services at the Office of Motor Vehicles, public assistance agencies, public schools, colleges and libraries; or by mail. Louisianians can also utilize our smartphone app, GeauxVote Mobile, to access registration, ballot and polling place information.

After registering, voters should download the GeauxVote Mobile smartphone app. The app provides registration information as well as voting districts, sample ballots, polling place information and election results.

Early voting for the April 24 election is scheduled for Saturday, April 10 through Saturday, April 17 (excluding Sunday, April 11), from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. For more information about the Secretary of State's Elections Division, visit www.GeauxVote.com or call 225.922.0900.

 - www.sos.la.gov -

ELECTION DAY REMINDERS

March 19, 2021

BATON ROUGE, La. — Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin is reminding everyone that Saturday, March 20, 2021 is Election Day. There are 20 parishes in which there will be both multi-parish races (such as United States Representative) and local races/propositions: Ascension, Avoyelles, Bossier, Caddo, DeSoto, East Baton Rouge, Grant, Jefferson, LaSalle, Lincoln, Morehouse, Natchitoches, Red River, Richland, Sabine, St. Charles, St. Landry, Washington, Webster, and Winn. 23 parishes will vote only on multi-parish races (such as U.S. Representative): Assumption, Bienville, Caldwell, Catahoula, Concordia, East Carroll, East Feliciana, Franklin, Iberville, Jackson, Madison, Orleans, Ouachita, Rapides, St. Helena, St. James, St. John, Tangipahoa, Tensas, Vernon, West Baton Rouge, West Carroll, and West Feliciana. There are 10 parishes in which there will only be local races and/or propositions: Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Evangeline, Jefferson Davis, Lafourche, Livingston, St. Mary, St. Tammany, and Vermilion. 11 parishes will have no elections: Acadia, Allen, Claiborne, Iberia, Lafayette, Plaquemines, Pointe Coupee, St. Bernard, St. Martin, Terrebonne, and Union.

In preparation for Saturday's election, Secretary Ardoin encourages 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 may also utilize the virtual voter assistant, GeauxBot, to access pertinent election information. GeauxBot is accessible by visiting voterportal.sos.la.gov or by selecting Elections and Voting on sos.la.gov.
• Voters can 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 at www.sos.la.gov. 
  

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, our polling commissioners will be supplied with personal protective equipment and will regularly sanitize designated areas and voting machines between each voter. Hand sanitizer will be provided to voters and masks are recommended, although not required.

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

- www.sos.la.gov -

​ABSENTEE BALLOT DEADLINES FOR THE MARCH 20 ELECTION

March 15, 2021

BATON ROUGE, La. — Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin is reminding voters of the upcoming absentee ballot deadlines.

The deadline to request an absentee ballot is Tuesday, March 16 at 4:30 pm. Requests can be made online by visiting voterportal.sos.la.gov and selecting “Request Absentee Ballot," or in person at the parish Registrar of Voters Office. Voters who have requested but not yet received an absentee ballot may check their absentee ballot status by visiting voterportal.sos.la.gov, entering the appropriate voter information and selecting “Check Absentee Ballot Status." 

The deadline to return a completed ballot is Friday, March 19 at 4:30 pm. This instructional video shows step-by-step how to properly fill out and return an absentee ballot. Completed ballots can be returned to the parish registrar of voters by mail, in-person by the voter or by a voter's immediate family member. Should a voter be unable to meet an absentee ballot deadline, they can still vote in-person on Election Day. Polling locations can also be found on voterportal.sos.la.gov or on the free GeauxVote mobile app.

For more information, contact the 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 MARCH 6 FOR THE MARCH 20 ELECTION

March 5, 2021

BATON ROUGE, La. — Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin is reminding voters that early voting begins Saturday, March 6, and continues through Saturday, March 13 from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, excluding Sunday, March 7. Citizens who want to vote early may do so in person at the parish Registrar of Voters Office or at other designated locations. 

There are 20 parishes in which there will be both multi-parish races (such as United States Representative) and local races/propositions: Ascension, Avoyelles, Bossier, Caddo, DeSoto, East Baton Rouge, Grant, Jefferson, LaSalle, Lincoln, Morehouse, Natchitoches, Red River, Richland, Sabine, St. Charles, St. Landry, Washington, Webster, and Winn. 23 parishes will vote only on multi-parish races (such as U.S. Representative): Assumption, Bienville, Caldwell, Catahoula, Concordia, East Carroll, East Feliciana, Franklin, Iberville, Jackson, Madison, Orleans, Ouachita, Rapides, St. Helena, St. James, St. John, Tangipahoa, Tensas, Vernon, West Baton Rouge, West Carroll, and West Feliciana. There are ten parishes in which there will only be local races and/or propositions: Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, Evangeline, Jefferson Davis, Lafourche, Livingston, St. Mary, St. Tammany, and Vermilion. 11 parishes will have no elections: Acadia, Allen, Claiborne, Iberia, Lafayette, Plaquemines, Pointe Coupee, St. Bernard, St. Martin, Terrebonne, and Union.

Voters are encouraged to utilize Louisiana's award-winning, free smartphone app, GeauxVote Mobile, to locate their early voting site, Election Day voting site, or view their sample ballot. GeauxBot, the virtual voter assistant, is also available to access pertinent election information such as registration deadlines, election dates, polling locations, and hours. GeauxBot is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by visiting voterportal.sos.la.gov or by selecting Elections and Voting on sos.la.gov.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, our polling commissioners will be supplied with personal protective equipment and will regularly sanitize designated areas and wipe down voting machines between each voter. Hand sanitizer will be provided to voters and masks are recommended, although not required.

In addition to a Louisiana driver's license, a Louisiana Special ID, or a generally recognized ID with picture and signature, voters may use a digital license via LA Wallet.​

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

​ARDOIN WITHDRAWS VOTING MACHINE PROCUREMENT

March 3, 2021

BATON ROUGE, La. — The state of election administration in our country is virtually unrecognizable from that of just a few years ago, yet Louisiana remains an unparalleled leader in election process and procedures - free from the controversy that has surrounded so many states. Because of our unwavering commitment, Louisiana remains a national leader in delivering safe, secure, accurate and transparent elections.

After consultation with the Speaker of the House and President of the Senate, Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin announced the immediate cancelation of the Request for Proposal (RFP) #3000016411 for the phased acquisition of new voting systems in replacement of Louisiana's nearly thirty-year-old fleet of voting machines. While the RFP is compliant with all aspects of Louisiana's election and procurement laws, questions have arisen regarding the applicability of Direct Recording Electronic (DRE) voting machine technology (presently required by law) and how it impacts the level of competition for this solicitation.

“While our current election-day voting machines has served Louisiana well, it is imperative that we seek the prompt engagement of the Louisiana Legislature to help our office to clarify these matters of law and to ensure that our citizens receive the highest level of competition in this important procurement," said Ardoin. “We cannot let election administration become just another political football for politicians or voting machine vendors to kick around, without any understanding or concern for the consequences. Simply put, no other agency in Louisiana has a higher requirement for precision than the Secretary of State in conducting our elections."

“Because of this, I am withdrawing the RFP to spend the next few months seeking to undo the damage to voter confidence done by those who willfully spread misinformation and disinformation. While we respect calls for more discussion of the process, it must be noted that Louisiana began preparing for this acquisition following the 2016 federal election cycle. It was never rushed or inconsistent with accepted budgetary or procurement laws. A glaring omission from the calls for more discussion is any credible criticism of our current election process."

“We remain vigilant in our mission to deliver safe, secure, accurate, and transparent elections to the voters of Louisiana."
 -       Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin

"I believe Secretary of State Ardoin has made the right call to pull back on the procurement process for new voting machines. Louisiana elections are some of the most safe and secure elections in the United States and giving more oversight to the process will only strengthen that."
-        Louisiana Speaker of the House Clay Schexnayder

"I am in complete support of Secretary of State Ardoin's decision to withdraw the current procurement process for new voting machines in Louisiana. I believe this will bring an opportunity for full transparency on the purchasing process and election systems for all levels of government." -         Louisiana Senate President Page Cortez

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​ONLINE REGISTRATION DEADLINE FOR THE MARCH 20 ELECTION

February 25, 2021

BATON ROUGE, La.— Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin is reminding Louisianians that Saturday, February 27 is the online registration deadline for the March 20 election. This deadline is for citizens who are unregistered, as well as registered voters who would like to make changes to their registration. Citizens can check their registration or register to vote online at www.GeauxVote.com. In order to submit electronically, a Louisiana driver's license or Louisiana special ID card must be used.

After registering, voters should download the GeauxVote mobile smartphone app which provides registration information as well as voting districts, sample ballots, polling place information and election results. Voters may also utilize the virtual voter assistant, GeauxBot, to access pertinent election information such as registration deadlines, election dates, polling locations and hours. GeauxBot is accessible by visiting voterportal.sos.la.gov or by selecting Elections and Voting on sos.la.gov.

Early voting for the March 20 election is scheduled for Saturday, March 6 through Saturday, March 13 from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m (excluding Sunday, March 7).

For more information, contact the Elections Division by calling 1.800.883.2805 or emailing elections@sos.la.gov.

- www.sos.la.gov -

​View the annual report​ of the State Board of Election Supervisors.

STATE BOARD OF ELECTION SUPERVISORS TO MEET VIRTUALLY

January 27, 2021

Who: State Board of Election Supervisors

What: The State Board of Election Supervisors will hold its annual meeting in a virtual format. The agenda and notice for the meeting are attached. State board recommendations are viewable on the main page of our website.  

When: Thursday, January 28, 2021

             10:00am

Where: Virtually, accessible via Zoom or Telephone

Web Access/Zoom App:

Link to Meeting:https://zoom.us/j/94720743004?pwd=MEhCbUtOVXNYb29zM3l2dy9nMlRxUT09

Meeting ID: 947 2074 3004
Password: 018536
Note: You will be asked to download Zoom if you have not downloaded the app.

Telephone Access

Call: 1-346-248-7799.
Enter Meeting ID: 947 2074 3004, followed by #.
When prompted to enter your participant ID, either wait or press # to skip.
Enter Security Code: 018536, followed by #.
To unmute your call to speak, press *6 when prompted by the meeting organizer.
Note: When using the phone only option, participant phone numbers are visible to all attendees. Additionally, meeting video is recorded and will be archived and attendee lists are visible.

- www.sos.la.gov -

​

STATE RELEASES REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL​​

​January 27, 2021

​BATON ROUGE, La. — The Office of State Procurement has issued a Request For Proposals (RFP) to secure new voting equipment to replace the state's current stock of approximately 10,000 machines. These machines have long served the voters of Louisiana without major incident. We cannot maintain the status quo, as the lifespan of these machines nears the end. It is financially and operationally prudent to procure new voting equipment so that voters continue to have confidence in their election infrastructure.

“I am excited to begin the RFP process" Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin said. “While the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the release of this RFP, we are excited to begin the process of bringing the best voting technology to Louisiana and continuing our tradition of delivering safe, secure, accurate and transparent elections."

Continuing Louisiana's reputation of election integrity is the driving force behind this RFP as the state seeks to bring the most secure and transparent voting technology to our state. This RFP allows Louisianans to continue our tradition and overwhelming preference of in-person voting. It also preserves Louisiana's leadership in elections nationwide by continuing our accurate and timely reporting of election results on elction night. 

Some of the specifications of the RFP are as follows:

Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT): A VVPAT system provides voters with the peace of mind that their vote is recorded accurately by allowing them to verify their vote on paper before casting their vote electronically on a voting machine.  This feature will also enhance the continued accuracy of state elections by providing a mechanism for a full paper audit of each election.

Background Checks For Those Working On Project: This security measure requires proposers to disclose background checks and security training protocols for all employees who would be working on this project. This requirement is a security measure to prevent nefarious individuals from coming into contact with Louisiana's election system.

Disclosure Of Foreign Ownership: Proposer must disclose any foreign ownership and if there is any foreign ownership, provide a detailed plan that ensures the foreign entity cannot control, influence, or direct the company in any manner that would compromise or influence, or give the appearance of compromising or influencing, the independence and integrity of an election.

Disclose All Countries In Which The Proposer Operates: The proposer must disclose all countries in which their election system and equipment is used. Additionally, the corporate structure and ownership (e.g., publicly traded corporation, privately held partnership, nonprofit), all board members or any entity with more than 10% ownership in the organization, and any ownership in the company by foreign persons or entities, regardless of ownership percentage, including but not limited to any citizens or residents of a country other than the United States must be disclosed.

Forbid Political Spending From Contract Funds: Contractor agrees not to use contract proceeds to urge any elector to vote for or against any candidate or proposition on an election ballot nor shall such funds be used to lobby for or against any proposition or matter having the effect of law being considered by the Louisiana Legislature or any local governing authority.

Follow All Applicable Laws: Proposal must be lawful. The proposed voting system shall meet all relevant requirements the Louisiana Election Code, Help America Vote Act, Louisiana Procurement Code, and Information Technology Procurement Code and any other relevant state and federal laws.

The state's Request for Proposals for new voting equipment can be found online at:

https://wwwcfprd.doa.louisiana.gov/osp/lapac/agency/pdf/7549800-02.pdf

Responses for the New Voting System RFP will be accepted no later than 10:00 AM on March 30, 2021.

WATCH: Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin's comments on the release of the request for proposal.

-www.sos.la.gov -

​View the fact sheet​ for the Request for Proposals for new voting machines.

​View agenda for the Jan. 28 meeting of the State Board of Election Supervisors.
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View the following document for more information on the Spring 2021 Emergency Election Plan​. 

​SECRETARY ARDOIN STATEMENT ON
PASSAGE OF EMERGENCY ELECTION PLAN

January 21, 2021

BATON ROUGE, La. — Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin issued the following statement following the Legislature's overwhelming passage of the most recent emergency election plan.

“I am pleased that this emergency plan passed with overwhelming, bipartisan support at every step of this process. This plan is a pragmatic response to the recent unprecedented surge in the COVID-19 pandemic. Together, the Clerks of Court, Registrars of Voters and their staff's along with the entire SOS elections staff will provide the people of Louisiana safe, secure and accurate elections to which they are accustomed."

-www.sos.la.gov -

​QUALIFYING PROCEDURES FOR MARCH 20 ELECTION

January 15, 2021

BATON ROUGE, La. — Qualifying for the March 20 Municipal Primary and Special Congressional Primary (U.S. Representative, Districts 2 and 5) election will be held from Wednesday, January 20 through Friday, January 22.

All candidates for state and federal office will qualify at the Louisiana State Archives located at 3851 Essen Lane in Baton Rouge. All candidates for local municipal races will qualify with their parish clerk of court. Hours of operation for the secretary of state are 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. daily. Check with the local clerk of court for specific parish hours.

In response to COVID-19, some qualifying procedures have changed:

• Qualifying at the Secretary of State's Office will be held at the Louisiana State Archives located at 3851 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge, LA 70809.
• Candidates are asked to bring only one additional person to the signing room as they file their paperwork.
• The media will have an opportunity to interview candidates in the Archives auditorium, but will not be allowed to be in the signing rooms as candidates file their paperwork.
• In accordance to public health guidelines; masks are strongly encouraged, social distancing will be in place and the building capacity will not exceed 50 people.
  

Pursuant to Act 312 of the 2020 Regular Session, qualifying candidates will be required to present a valid Louisiana driver's license or Louisiana identification card. For more information on qualifying, visit the secretary of state's website at www.sos.la.gov.​

- www.sos.la.gov -

​SPECIAL ELECTION CALLED FOR VACANT HOUSE DISTRICT 82 SEAT

January 12, 2021

BATON ROUGE, La. — Following a proclamation from the Speaker of the Louisiana House of Representatives regarding the resignation of State Representative Charles Henry, a special election has been called to fill the vacancy of State Representative District 82.  

The special primary election will be held on Saturday, March 20, 2021 and the general election will be held April 24, 2021. The qualifying period for the special primary election has been scheduled for Jan. 25—27. 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). 

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.

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

- www.sos.la.gov - 

​QUALIFYING FOR HOUSE DISTRICT 35 VACANCY

January 6, 2021

BATON ROUGE, La. — Qualifying for the special election to fill the House District 35 State Representative vacancy begins today, January 6 through Friday, January 8. Candidates will 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).

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 special primary election will be held on Saturday, Feb. 6, 2021 and the general election will be held March 20, 2021. For more information on qualifying, visit the secretary of state's website at www.sos.la.gov.​

- www.sos.la.gov -