​ELECTION DAY REMINDERS

December 4, 2020

BATON ROUGE, La. — Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin is reminding everyone that Saturday, December 5 is Election Day.

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. 
  

Due to Hurricanes Laura and Delta, some polling locations have been relocated. Those locations can be found here. Again, voters are encouraged to use voterportal.sos.la.gov, GeauxVote mobile or call our elections hotline at 800.883.2805 to find their polling location.

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 -

​SECRETARY OF STATE TO TEST RESULTS FOR THE DEC. 5 ELECTION

November 30, 2020

BATON ROUGE, La. — Ahead of the upcoming December 5 election, Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin's office will test its electronic election results system on Tuesday, December 1 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 Press Secretary Tyler Brey and Public Information Officer Tamisha Ashworth. Brey can be reached at 225.362.5086 (office), 443.605.7870 (cell) or tyler.brey@sos.la.gov. Ashworth can be reached at the information listed above.​

- www.sos.la.gov -

​ABSENTEE BALLOT DEADLINES FOR THE DEC. 5 ELECTION

November 30, 2020

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, December 1 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, December 4 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.

- 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 NOV. 20 FOR THE DEC. 5 ELECTION

November 19, 2020

BATON ROUGE, La. — Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin is reminding voters that early voting begins Friday, Nov. 20, and continues through Saturday, Nov. 28 from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, excluding Sunday, Nov. 22, Thursday, Nov. 26 and Friday, Nov. 27 (due to the state observed holiday for Thanksgiving and Acadian Day).

Citizens who want to vote early may do so in person at the parish Registrar of Voters Office or at other designated locations. Due to Hurricanes Laura and Delta, some polling locations have been relocated. For a complete listing of early voting locations, please visit https://voterportal.sos.la.gov/EarlyVoting. 

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.

- www.sos.la.gov -

​ONLINE REGISTRATION DEADLINE FOR THE DECEMBER 5 ELECTION

November 13, 2020

BATON ROUGE, La.— Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin is reminding Louisianians that Saturday, November 14 is the online registration deadline for the December 5 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.

Voters may cast their ballots in various races for the Open General, Congressional, Republican State Central Committee (RSCC) or numerous local races. 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 December 5 election is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 20 through Saturday, Nov. 28 from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Please note that early voting will be closed Sunday, Nov. 22, Thursday, Nov. 26 and Friday, Nov. 27 (due to the state observed holiday for Thanksgiving and Acadian Day).

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

​ ​- www.sos.la.gov -

​SECRETARY OF STATE PROVIDES RECAP OF NOV. 3 ELECTION 
UPDATE ON VOTER REGISTRATION DEADLINES

November 4, 2020

BATON ROUGE, La. — Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin releases the following statement following the unofficial results of the Presidential election:  

“I couldn't be more pleased with our Louisiana presidential election," Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin said. “This year presented unprecedented challenges, from a pandemic to three hurricanes, but we came together with our election partners to pull off a successful election."

817,961 voters cast a ballot during early voting, 167,824 voters cast an absentee ballot and 1,161,528 voters exercised their right to vote on Election Day. This total turnout of 2,147,313 represents a 69.4% turnout, exactly within the office projection of 69-71%. 54.1% of voters exercised their right to vote in-person on Election Day, while 38.1% voted early and 7.8% voted absentee.

Despite the recent challenges forced upon the state by a global pandemic as well as Hurricanes Laura, Delta and Zeta, we did not experience any difficulties outside of the usual scope of Election Day issues. 

As a reminder, the mail and in-person registration deadline for the December 5 Congressional Runoff Election is Wednesday, November 4. The online registration deadline is Saturday, November 14. 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.

For more information, contact the Elections Division by calling 1-800-883-2805 or emailing elections@sos.la.gov.

- www.sos.la.gov -

​ELECTION DAY REMINDERS

November 2, 2020

BATON ROUGE, La. — Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin is reminding everyone that Tuesday, November 3 is Election Day.

In preparation for Tuesday's Presidential General and Open Congressional Primary Election, Secretary Ardoin encourages 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 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. 
  

Due to Hurricane's Laura and Delta, some polling locations have been relocated. Those locations can be found here. Due to Hurricane Zeta, two Lafourche Parish polling locations have moved. Those locations can be found here. Again, voters are encouraged to use voterportal.sos.la.gov, GeauxVote mobile or call our elections hotline at 800.883.2805 to find their polling location.

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.

​SECRETARY OF STATE PROVIDES POLLING LOCATION UPDATE IN RESPONSE TO HURRICANE ZETA​

November 1, 2020

BATON ROUGE, La. — Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin provides the following update on Hurricane Zeta's impact on Election Day. 

As Entergy and our other utility partners continue their restoration efforts across affected areas of Southeast Louisiana, all remaining polling locations currently without power have a generator either operational or scheduled for a Monday delivery and installation. No polling location will be without power on Election Day.

Additionally, on Election Day, there will be reserve generators, technicians and support staff on standby, ready to quickly assist any location that experiences technical difficulties. All Election Day voting machines contain a battery reserve, which can run up to eight hours without power.

As a reminder, the Secretary of State's Office, parish Clerks of Court's Offices and parish Registrars of Voters' Offices are THE trusted sources for all election information. Unfortunately, disingenuous politicians have exploited the public trust by publishing and promoting misinformation. For this reason, any and all questions regarding Election Day preparation or operation should come from either the Secretary of State's Office or the parish Clerk of Court's Offices and Registrars of Voters' Offices.

For more information or to report election misinformation, contact the Elections Division at 1-800-883-2805 or elections@sos.la.gov.

- www.sos.la.gov -

​SECRETARY ARDOIN PROVIDES CLARITY REGARDING
MAYOR CANTRELL MISINFORMATION

November 1, 2020

BATON ROUGE, La. — "It is unfortunate that politicians like Mayor Cantrell and Councilwoman Moreno have responded to Hurricane Zeta by trying to score cheap political points instead of being part of any solution. 

A Herculean effort to assess and restore all election infrastructure has been underway since the rain stopped falling and the wind stopped blowing, but Cantrell and Moreno have contributed nothing to that response effort. My office has worked closely with all levels of state and local government and the private sector. Our partners have been nothing short of heroic in their efforts to restore power and help deliver the vote to Louisianians. 

As I said yesterday in an update to the public, all polling locations without power restoration will receive generators to operate Election Day equipment. Mayor Cantrell and Councilwoman Moreno are either tragically misinformed or maliciously attempting a Putinesque spread of misinformation.

The work to ensure every polling location has power continues at a fever pitch as Election Day approaches. We will continue to work with our partners who have chosen to roll up their sleeves and do the work that Louisianans expect."

- www.sos.la.gov -

SECRETARY OF STATE PROVIDES POLLING LOCATION UPDATE 
IN RESPONSE TO HURRICANE ZETA

October 31, 2020

BATON ROUGE, La. — Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin provides the following update on Hurricane Zeta's impact on Election Day. After a thorough assessment of impacted election infrastructure, power restoration remains the most significant challenge. 68 of the 435 polling locations affected by Hurricane Zeta remain without power. Our office is working with Entergy and other utility partners to restore power to polling locations. Polling locations without power restoration will receive generators to operate Election Day equipment. Below is an overview of the impacted parishes.

St. Tammany Parish:
All 64 polling locations have received an all-clear for damage and power. No polling location changes are expected.​

St. Bernard Parish: 
All 10 polling locations have received an all-clear for damage, however, none of the ten currently have power. Power restoration is underway through utility partners. No polling location changes are expected. 

Lafourche Parish:
37 out of 48 polling locations have received an all-clear for damage and power. Nine remaining locations have received the all-clear for damage, and power restoration is underway through utility partners.

Two polling locations have changes in Lafourche Parish:
Precinct 10/7 (Old Golden Meadow Settlement, S 20986 Hwy 1, Golden Meadow) and Precinct 10/9 (Golden Meadow Upper Elementary School, 124 North Third St., Golden Meadow) will be moved to Precinct 10/8 (Golden Meadow Middle School, 630 S. Bayou Dr., Golden Meadow). ​

Terrebonne Parish: 
46 out of 50 polling locations have received an all-clear for damage and power. Four remaining polling locations are without power, while power restoration efforts are underway. No polling location changes are expected. 

Orleans Parish:
107 out of 124 polling locations have received an all-clear for damage and power. 17 remaining polling locations are without power, and power restoration efforts are underway. No polling location changes are expected.

Jefferson Parish: 
123 out of 144 polling locations have received an all-clear for damage and power. 21 remaining polling locations are without power and power restoration efforts are underway. No polling location changes are expected.

Plaquemines Parish:
Five out of nine polling locations have received an all-clear for damage and power. Four remaining polling locations are without power, and power restoration efforts are underway. One polling location could potentially be moved. 

St. Charles Parish:
19 out of 24 polling locations have received an all-clear for damage and power. 21 remaining polling locations are without power and power restoration efforts are underway. No polling location changes are expected.

Washington Parish:
All 27 polling locations have received an all-clear for damage and power. No polling location changes are expected.

The Secretary of State's office continues to work with state, local partners and private-sector partners to address problems and challenges as they arise.

- www.sos.la.gov -

​SECRETARY OF STATE REMINDS VOTERS
TO CHECK ABSENTEE BALLOT STATUS

October 30, 2020

BATON ROUGE, La. — Amid reports of a Louisiana voter's absentee ballot being stolen from a United States Postal Service collection box in Texas, Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin reminds voters who have requested or returned an absentee ballot to check the status of their ballot. Absentee ballot statuses can be checked by visiting voterportal.sos.la.gov, filling in the appropriate voter information and clicking “Check Absentee Ballot Status." Should a voter's absentee ballot not be received by the deadline, the voter can still vote in-person on Election Day.

“The incident is currently under investigation by my office's Elections Compliance Unit," Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin said. “Texas election officials have made contact with the East Baton Rouge Registrar of Voters, and we are working with the ROV to contact the voter and offer a voting solution."

A media report from KPRC 2 in Houston details the ballot theft.

The deadline to request an absentee ballot is October 30 by 4:30 pm, and the deadline to return a completed ballot is Monday, November 2 by 4:30 pm. 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.

- www.sos.la.gov -

​HURRICANE ZETA ELECTION UPDATE

October 29, 2020

BATON ROUGE, La.— Louisiana Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin provides the following elections update in response to Hurricane Zeta. 

“As recovery efforts begin in Southeast Louisiana, our thoughts and prayers are with our neighbors affected by this storm. The Secretary of State's office is working in close coordination with local officials to assess the damage sustained by our election partners and infrastructure, including registrar of voters offices, clerk of court offices, warehouses, and polling locations. 

Power outages remain the most widespread challenge and we are working with Entergy and other utility companies to assess and restore power to our election infrastructure. We will have a more thorough grasp of the damage to individual polling places over the next 24-48 hours and we will coordinate with clerks of court and local governing authorities if any emergency polling place relocations are necessary."

-www.sos.la.gov-

​ABSENTEE BALLOT DEADLINES FOR THE NOV. 3 ELECTION

October 29, 2020

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 Friday, October 30 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 Monday, November 2 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.

- www.sos.la.gov -

​EARLY VOTING STATISTICAL BREAKDOWN

- www.sos.la.gov -

​THE LAST DAY TO EARLY VOTE IS OCTOBER 27

October 26, 2020

BATON ROUGE, La. — Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin reminds all Louisianians eligible to vote in the Tuesday, November 3 Presidential Election that the last day to early vote is TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27. Early voting locations are open from 8:00 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

Citizens who want to vote early may do so in person at the parish registrar of voters office or other designated locations. Due to Hurricane's Laura and Delta, some polling locations have been relocated. For a complete listing of early voting locations, please visit https://voterportal.sos.la.gov/EarlyVoting.

Voters can 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.

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 1-800-883-2805 or elections@sos.la.gov.

- www.sos.la.gov - 

​ELECTIONS ADMINISTRATION BILLS PASSED BY LEGISLATURE

October 22, 2020

BATON ROUGE, La. — Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin is pleased to announce the following election-related bills have been passed by the legislature during the 2020 Second Extraordinary Session and are awaiting signature into law by Governor John Bel Edwards. 

HB 59 by Rep. Beaullieu: Authorizes the payment of additional compensation to certain election officials for elections held within a certain period following a gubernatorially declared emergency. This bill will allow election workers to receive additional “hazard pay" during a state of emergency.

SB 22 by Sen. Hewitt: Provides for preparation and counting of absentee and early voting ballots. This bill will allow additional time for absentee ballots to be processed prior to ballots being counted on election day.

“I am grateful that the legislature passed these important election bills, and I urge Governor Edwards to sign these important bills into law," Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin said. “Should they be signed into law, both bills will have direct and immediate positive impacts for election workers and absentee ballot preparation and verification."

For more information about the Secretary of State's Elections Division, visit www.GeauxVote.com or call 225.922.0900.

- www.sos.la.gov -

​EARLY VOTING BEGINS OCT. 16 FOR THE NOV. 3 ELECTION

October 15, 2020

BATON ROUGE, La. — Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin is reminding voters that early voting begins Friday, Oct. 16, and continues through Tuesday, Oct. 27 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, excluding Sunday, Oct. 18, and Sunday, Oct. 25. He is also encouraging all eligible Louisianians to consider voting early for the November 3 Presidential and Open Congressional Primary election. 

Citizens who want to vote early may do so in person at the parish registrar of voters office or at other designated locations. Due to Hurricane's Laura and Delta, some polling locations have been relocated. For a complete listing of early voting locations, please visit https://voterportal.sos.la.gov/EarlyVoting. 

Voters can 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.

Citizens who want to vote early may do so in person at the parish registrar of voters office or at other designated locations. Due to Hurricane's Laura and Delta, some polling locations have been relocated. For a complete listing of early voting locations, please visit https://voterportal.sos.la.gov/EarlyVoting. 

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.

- www.sos.la.gov -

​ONLINE REGISTRATION DEADLINE FOR THE NOV.3 ELECTION

October 12, 2020

BATON ROUGE, La.— Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin is reminding Louisianians that Tuesday, Oct. 13 is the online registration deadline for the Nov. 3 Presidential General and Open Congressional Primary 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 November 3 election is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 16 through Tuesday, Oct. 27 (excluding Sundays), from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. For more information, contact the Elections Division by calling 1.800.883.2805 or emailing elections@sos.la.gov.

- www.sos.la.gov -

​SECRETARY ARDOIN ANNOUNCES THE LAUNCH OF GEAUXBOT

October 7, 2020​

BATON ROUGE, La. — Today, Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin is announcing the launch of GeauxBot, a virtual voter assistant created in partnership with IBM. The IBM Watson Assistant technology grants voters access to pertinent election information such as registration deadlines, election dates, polling locations and hours. GeauxBot is an additional resource along with the GeauxVote mobile app and GeauxVote.com, to quickly obtain the most accurate election information available.  

“I am excited about this new feature which will help answer voters' questions 24/7," Ardoin said.  “This is yet another way Louisiana is at the forefront of voter outreach and assistance".

GeauxBot is accessible by visiting voterportal.sos.la.gov or by selecting Elections and Voting on the secretary of state website. Voters may then follow the instructions below to utilize the feature:

• Select the blue chat icon at the bottom right of the screen. A disclaimer will appear, please read and indicate “I accept".
• Voters will then be able to choose a topic (Voter Registration, Absentee Voting, Early Voting, Election Day Voting) or enter a specific question into the window.
• GeauxBot will ask prompting questions related to the voter's question and provide relevant answers.
• Should the voter have further questions, the Elections Division telephone hotline 800.883.2805 is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ​
  

GeauxBot is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. . For more information about the Secretary of State's Elections Division, visit www.GeauxVote.com or call 225.922.0900.

 - www.sos.la.gov -

​VOTER REGISTRATION DEADLINES FAST APPROACHING FOR THE NOVEMBER 3 ELECTION 

October 5, 2020

BATON ROUGE, La.— Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin is reminding Louisianians that the deadlines to register to vote in the Nov. 3 Presidential General and Open Congressional Primary Election are fast approaching. The in-person or by mail deadline is today, Oct. 5, and the online deadline is Tuesday, Oct. 13. These deadlines are 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; 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 which provides registration information as well as voting districts, sample ballots, polling place information and election results.

Early voting for the November 3 election is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 16 through Tuesday, Oct. 27 (excluding Sundays), from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 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 -

SECRETARY OF STATE PROVIDES INFORMATION ON
ABSENTEE BALLOTS

September 25, 2020

BATON ROUGE, La.— In the last few days, Parish Registrars of Voters across the state began sending out absentee ballots. This year will see the highest number of absentee ballots ever cast in a Louisiana election.   To ensure voters have their absentee ballot counted, this instructional video shows step-by-step how to properly fill out and return an absentee ballot. 

The deadline to request an absentee ballot is October 30 by 4:30 p.m., and the deadline to return an absentee ballot is November 2 by 4:30 p.m. As a reminder, to ensure all ballots are received in time to be counted, the United States Postal Service recommends that all absentee ballots be requested 15 days prior to the election and mailed back 7 days prior to the return deadline.

The list of reasons to apply for an absentee ballot can be found here. 

-www.sos.la.gov-

FBI AND CISA PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
REGARDING ELECTION DISINFORMATION

​STATEMENT FROM SECRETARY ARDOIN REGARDING
WEBSITE MAINTENANCE 

September 23, 2020

BATON ROUGE, La.— "I am proud of our record of registering over 90% of all eligible Louisianans, and our office works hard to ensure every citizen who wants to register can do so. Just last week, we sent registration information to over 100,000 identified eligible but unregistered citizens. ​

Last night our website experienced a short delay due to maintenance, an unfortunate error for which I take full responsibility. For anyone who wishes to register or change their registration, there is still time. The in-person and by-mail registration deadline is October 5th while the online registration deadline is October 13th."

-www.sos.la.gov-

​VOTER REGISTRATION WEEK 2020 BEGINS SEPT. 21

​Louisiana's annual Voter Registration Week will be observed statewide from Sept. 21-25, 2020. Below is a comprehensive listing of scheduled activities and will be revised as information is received from each parish registrar of voters. For more information, contact your parish registrar of voters.

Assumption Parish

• Tuesday, Sept. 22 from 10 a.m.- 3 p.m.
  Assumption Parish Courthouse Yard, 4809 Hwy 1, Napoleonville
  
• Thursday, Sept. 24 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
  ​Assumption Parish Courthouse Yard, 4809 Hwy 1, Napoleonville​
  

BATON ROUGE, La.— Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin is proud to announce that Major General (Retired) Glenn H. Curtis will oversee response efforts to mitigate the effects of Hurricane Laura's impact on the November 3 and December 5 elections. Because of Hurricane Laura's devastation of much of Louisiana, specifically the western region of our state, General Curtis will report to the Secretary of State on the development of a plan of action to move forward with the Presidential Election as well as instruction for Clerks of Court and Registrars of Voters and their employees to adapt to new conditions and how to implement early voting and election day voting under disaster circumstances. 

Since the beginning of the summer, General Curtis has served the Secretary of State's Office in an advisory role on cybersecurity issues and this shift in focus will draw on the General's disaster recovery experience as well as his lengthy relationship GOHSEP and CISA. He will be critical in securing necessary state and federal aid and assisting displaced voters in exercising their right to vote under such difficult circumstances for our state.

Major General (Retired) Glenn H. Curtis served as the Adjutant General of the Louisiana National Guard from 3 November 2011 to 9 January 2020. In that capacity, he was responsible for the deployment and coordination of programs, policies, and plans affecting the more than 11,000 members of the Louisiana Army and Air National Guard. General Curtis is a graduate of Buckeye High School and holds degrees from Louisiana State University and the United States Army War College.

-www.sos.la.gov-

STATEMENT BY SECRETARY KYLE ARDOIN ON ADMINISTRATION OF LOUISIANA’S NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER ELECTIONS

September 2, 2020

BATON ROUGE, La.— Last week, Governor Edwards declined to endorse the Emergency Election Plan I put forward, approved by both the House and Governmental Affairs and Senate and Governmental Affairs committees, and which both chambers of the Legislature are in the process of voting on. Because the Governor has indicated he will not change his position, the citizens of Louisiana will not have, for the November and December elections:

• An additional three days of early voting
• Extended polling hours for early voting
• Additional time for Registrars to verify and process absentee ballots that will allow more timely reporting of election results
• An adjusted absentee ballot application deadline that more closely aligns with United States Postal Service (USPS) delivery standards 

That said, I understand the vital importance of protecting the right to vote in the midst of a pandemic. In light of my role as Louisiana's chief election official, I have identified the following steps that I will be able to take in the coming weeks (through a variety of statutory and administrative mechanisms) to exercise my powers in light of the Governor's decision to reject the plan on these issues:

• Direct all Registrars to ensure that early voting and Clerks  to ensure Election Day locations adhere to CDC guidelines on mask-wearing by poll workers, social distancing, cleaning of machines, and making disposable masks available to those voters who fail to wear their own masks to polling places and want one, pursuant to La. R.S. 18:401.2.
• I cannot make mask-wearing a pre-condition to voting at a polling place – although I encourage voters in the strongest possible terms to do so.
• I will declare a state of emergency which will allow the Clerk of Court and presiding officer of the parish governing authority to relocate polling places from senior centers and other facilities where operating polling places creates a public safety issue, and to notify voters of any polling place changes, pursuant to La. R.S. 18:401.2. In light of Hurricane Laura and COVID, I will be working closely with the parish authorities on these designations.
• Direct Registrars to work with nursing home operators in their parishes to designate a staff member as “temporary staff" of the Registrar to receive appropriate training and facilitate voting for nursing home residents where the facilities remain in lock-down, pursuant to La. R.S. 18:59(I)(2).
• Advise Registrars to consider offering a staffed curbside ballot drop-off point at their offices between the end of early voting and Election Day to permit voters to return their ballots directly without the need to rely on the USPS or others to deliver their ballots, pursuant to La. R.S. 18:18(A)(3) and La. R.S. 18:1308(B).
• Issue an administrative rule to extend the absentee ballot cure process I implemented for the July and August elections through the November and December elections, pursuant to La. R.S. 18:18(A)(3).  

In addition, the Tangipahoa Parish Registrar of Voters has received an Attorney General's opinion regarding the ability for voters with COVID to request to vote absentee by mail if certain requirements are met, under existing legislative authority (See attached A.G. Opinion 20-0104​).

Over the next few weeks, in light of the failure of the proposed emergency election plan, I will be taking the steps necessary to implement all of the changes outlined above, and provide guidance for implementing the Attorney General's opinion, to ensure that Louisianans have every opportunity to vote consistent with the existing law.

-www.sos.la.gov-

SECRETARY OF STATE LAUNCHES ELECTION WORKER
RECRUITMENT CAMPAIGN

September 1, 2020

BATON ROUGE, La.—Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin's office joins other election officials and the United States Election Assistance Commission in celebrating National Poll Worker Recruitment Day on September 1. The initiative aims to raise awareness about the benefits and importance of election workers and to inspire more Americans to sign up as election workers. In recognition of National Poll Worker Recruitment Day the secretary of state's office is launching a recruitment campaign for election workers for the upcoming fall elections. In these unprecedented times, eligible Louisiana citizens who are able to serve their communities as election polling commissioners are essential to the elections process. Staffing is the most critical component of conducting a safe and secure election.

The job of an election worker entails setting up and preparing the polling location, welcoming voters, and verifying voter registrations. Election poll workers also help ensure voters understand the voting process by demonstrating how to use voting equipment and explaining voting procedures. A shortage of poll workers is a normal election concern, but risks associated with the COVID-19 pandemic necessitates our office to seek additional, younger poll workers who can supplement Louisiana's current election workers, over half of which are elderly, and could opt not to serve in the fall elections. Working as an election commissioner is a meaningful and rewarding way that everyday citizens can help America vote. Serving as an election worker is also a great way to earn a paycheck while serving your community. Requirements for becoming an election worker include being:

• A registered voter in Louisiana
• A registered voter who does not need assistance
• Able to attend a 1-2 hour training course
• At least 17 years old and a high school senior or older 

Citizens interested in accepting the call-to-action of assisting in the elections process can visit ElectionWorker.sos.la.gov to view an informational flyer and complete an application. Completed applications may be returned to electionworker@sos.la.gov or your parish clerk of court.

For more information about becoming an election worker in Louisiana, contact Julie Guidroz with the Secretary of State's Elections Division at 225.922.0900, email electionworker@sos.la.gov or visit electionworker.sos.la.gov.

For more information about National Poll Worker Recruitment Day see https://www.eac.gov/help-america-vote.​

-www.sos.la.gov-

​ELECTION DAY REMINDERS

August 13, 2020

BATON ROUGE, La.— Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin is reminding everyone that Saturday, August 15 is Election Day. 38 parishes have parishwide and/or limited jurisdiction proposition elections, including: Acadia, Allen, Ascension, Avoyelles, Beauregard, Bossier, Calcasieu, Catahoula, Claiborne, Franklin, Grant, Iberia, Iberville, Jefferson Davis, Lafourche, LaSalle, Lincoln, Livingston, Madison, Morehouse, Plaquemines, Pointe Coupee, Rapides, Red River, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. James, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne, Union, Vermilion, Washington, Webster, and West Baton Rouge. Six parishes have a run-off and parishwide/local proposition elections, including: Concordia, East Baton Rouge, Jefferson, Natchitoches, Ouachita, and St. Tammany. Three parishes have run-off elections only, including: East Feliciana, Evangeline, and Orleans.

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 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. 
  

Due to COVID-19, some polling places located at nursing homes, senior centers, or other senior-related locations have been moved in accordance with the Secretary of State's Emergency Election Plan. Parish registrars of voters have also notified affected voters by mail with their polling relocations. Parishes with polling location changes include Allen, Avoyelles, Beauregard, Catahoula, Jefferson, Madison, Natchitoches, Orleans, Ouachita, St. James, St. Mary, St. Tammany and Washington.  The list of polling location changes can be viewed on the Secretary of State website here.

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. 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 -

​SECRETARY OF STATE TO TEST ELECTION RESULTS FOR
AUGUST 15 MUNICIPAL GENERAL​

August 11, 2020

BATON ROUGE, La. — Ahead of the upcoming August 15 election, Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin's office will test its electronic election results system today, August 11 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 Press Secretary Tyler Brey and Public Information Officer Tamisha Ashworth. Brey can be reached at 225.362.5086 (office) or tyler.brey@sos.la.gov. Ashworth can be reached at the information listed above.

- www.sos.la.gov -

​ABSENTEE BALLOT DEADLINES FOR THE 
AUGUST 15 MUNICIPAL GENERAL

August 10, 2020

BATON ROUGE, La-- Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin reminds voters that the deadline to request an absentee ballot is Tuesday, August 11 at 4:30 pm.

38 parishes have parishwide and/or limited jurisdiction proposition elections, including: Acadia, Allen, Ascension, Avoyelles, Beauregard, Bossier, Calcasieu, Catahoula, Claiborne, Franklin, Grant, Iberia, Iberville, Jefferson Davis, Lafourche, LaSalle, Lincoln, Livingston, Madison, Morehouse, Plaquemines, Pointe Coupee, Rapides, Red River, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. James, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne, Union, Vermilion, Washington, Webster, and West Baton Rouge. Six parishes have a run-off and parishwide/local proposition elections, including: Concordia, East Baton Rouge, Jefferson, Natchitoches, Ouachita, and St. Tammany. Three parishes have run-off elections only, including: East Feliciana, Evangeline, and Orleans.

Voters who have requested but not yet received an absentee ballot can check on the status of their ballot by visiting voterportal.sos.la.gov, and filling out the appropriate voter information and clicking "Check Absentee Ballot Status." 

Absentee ballot requests are currently being processed by parish registrar of voters and voters should be aware that the deadline to return a completed ballot is 4:30 pm on Friday, August 14. Completed ballots can be returned to the parish registrar of voters and can be returned by the voter or 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 app.

- 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.

​ONLINE REGISTRATION DEADLINE/EARLY VOTING BEGINS JULY 25 FOR MUNICIPAL GENERAL

July 24, 2020

BATON ROUGE, La.—Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin is reminding Louisianans that the online registration deadline is Saturday, July 25 for the Municipal General. Online registration can be completed by visiting www.GeauxVote.com.

Additionally, early voting for the Municipal General begins Saturday, July 25 and continues through Saturday, August 8 from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, excluding Sunday, July 26 and Sunday, August 2. Pursuant to the Emergency Election Plan, the early voting period has been extended by six days.

38 parishes have parishwide and/or limited jurisdiction proposition elections, including: Acadia, Allen, Ascension, Avoyelles, Beauregard, Bossier, Calcasieu, Catahoula, Claiborne, Franklin, Grant, Iberia, Iberville, Jefferson Davis, Lafourche, LaSalle, Lincoln, Livingston, Madison, Morehouse, Plaquemines, Pointe Coupee, Rapides, Red River, St. Bernard, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. James, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne, Union, Vermilion, Washington, Webster, and West Baton Rouge.

Six parishes have a run-off and parishwide/local proposition elections, including: Concordia, East Baton Rouge, Jefferson, Natchitoches, Ouachita, and St. Tammany. Three parishes have run-off elections only, including: East Feliciana, Evangeline, and Orleans. Sample ballots are available by visiting voterportal.sos.la.gov.

Voters can 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. 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 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. 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 now use a digital license via LA Wallet.

Election Day for the Municipal General is Saturday, August 15 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.​

Formore information, contact the Elections Division by calling 225.922.0900 or emailing elections@sos.la.gov.

​QUALIFYING PROCEDURES FOR NOVEMBER 3 ELECTION

July 16, 2020

BATON ROUGE, La. — Qualifying for the November 3 Presidential General/Congressional Primary Election has been rescheduled to Wednesday, July 22 through Friday, July 24 pursuant to Act. No. 28 of the 2020 Louisiana Legislature.

All candidates for local municipal races will qualify with their parish clerk of court. All candidates for U.S. Representatives, U.S. Senators, Associate Justices of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal Judges and Public Service Commissioners will qualify at the Louisiana State Archives located at 3851 Essen Lane 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.

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

• Qualifying will be held at the Louisiana State Archives: 3851 Essen Lane, Baton Rouge, LA 70809
• Candidates are asked to bring a maximum of one additional person to the signing room as they file their paperwork.
• The media is invited to attend qualifying, however (due to social distancing) they will not be allowed to be in the signing rooms as candidates file their paperwork.
• The media will have an opportunity to interview candidates, after they file their paperwork, in the Archives auditorium.
• In accordance with public health guidelines; masks are required (Proclamation No. 89 JBE 2020) and social distancing measures will be in place.
  

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 elections will be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2020, and Saturday, December 5. For more information on qualifying, visit the secretary of state's website at www.sos.la.gov.​

- www.sos.la.gov -

ELECTION DAY REMINDERS​

July 8, 2020

BATON ROUGE, La.— Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin is reminding everyone that Saturday, July 11 is Election Day. Only registered Democrats and Republicans will be eligible to vote in the July 11 Presidential Preference Primary, while voters in 24 parishes, regardless of party, may have a local election on their ballot. Those 24 parishes include Bienville, Caddo, Calcasieu, Concordia, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Evangeline, Jefferson, Lafourche, Livingston, Natchitoches, Orleans, Ouachita, Rapides, Richland, Sabine, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Washington and West Feliciana.

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 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. 
  

Due to COVID-19, some polling places located at nursing homes, senior centers, or other senior-related locations have been moved in accordance with the Secretary of State's Emergency Election Plan. Parish registrars of voters have also notified affected voters by mail with their polling relocations. Parishes with polling location changes include Allen, Avoyelles, Beauregard, Catahoula, Jefferson, Madison, Natchitoches, Orleans, Ouachita, St. James, St. Mary, St. Tammany and Washington.  The list of polling location changes can be viewed on the Secretary of State website here.

Additional precautions are being taken in light of COVID-19, and our polling commissioners will be supplied with personal protective equipment and will regularly sanitize designated areas and wipe down voting machines. 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 JULY 11 ELECTION​

July 7, 2020

BATON ROUGE, La-- Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin reminds voters that the deadline to request an absentee ballot is today, July 7 at 4:30 pm. Voters who have requested but not yet received an absentee ballot can check on the status of their ballot by visiting voterportal.sos.la.gov, and filling out the appropriate voter information and clicking "Check Absentee Ballot Status." 

Absentee ballot requests are currently being processed by parish registrar of voters and voters should be aware that the deadline to return a completed ballot is 4:30 pm on Friday, July 10. Completed ballots can be returned to the parish registrar of voters and can be returned by the voter or 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 app.

- www.sos.la.gov -

​SECRETARY OF STATE TO TEST ELECTION RESULTS FOR PRESIDENTIAL PREFERENCE PRIMARY/MUNICIPAL PRIMARY

​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.

​SECRETARY ARDOIN WARNS BUSINESSES OF POTENTIAL SCAM

June 19, 2020

BATON ROUGE, La.—Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin is alerting business owners of fraudulent letters being mailed to businesses indicating a “2020 Certificate of Status Request Form" The letter directs owners to mail payments in the amount of $87.25 to LA Certificate Service. THIS LETTER IS NOT FROM THE LOUISIANA SECRETARY OF STATE'S COMMERCIAL DIVISION and should be immediately discarded. You can view a sample of the mailer here.

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

Business owners are encouraged to view their annual report renewals through the geauxBiz portal or contact the Department of State's Commercial Division for more information at 225.925.4704 or commercial@sos.la.gov.

Additionally, Secretary Ardoin reminds owners to subscribe to the department's commercial email notification system aimed at protecting businesses from fraud and identity theft. Anyone can sign up for the system which generates messages regarding changes to commercial entities, non-governmental correspondence, office closures and most importantly, warnings involving possible fraudulent activity.

Subscriptions to the system are complimentary and voluntary, individuals are able to easily register via the website while viewing a corporation record. Once subscribed under the specified entity, notifications will be sent if any changes are made to the company. In addition, the system will generate a message if an annual report is not filed on time; a business is not in good standing; or a business is revoked. Subscribers can also opt to receive messages via text.

​EARLY VOTING BEGINS JUNE 20 FOR PRESIDENTIAL PREFERENCE PRIMARY AND MUNICIPAL PRIMARY

June 18, 2020

BATON ROUGE, La.—Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin is encouraging all eligible Louisianians to consider voting early in the Presidential Preference Primary. Early voting begins Saturday, June 20 and continues through Saturday, July 4 from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, excluding Sunday, June 21 and Sunday, June 28. Pursuant to the Emergency Election Plan, the early voting period has been extended by six days.

Only registered Democrats and Republicans will be eligible to vote in their party's respective Presidential Preference Primary, while voters in 24 parishes, regardless of party, may have a local election on their ballot. Those 24 parishes include Bienville, Caddo, Calcasieu, Concordia, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Evangeline, Jefferson, Lafourche, Livingston, Natchitoches, Orleans, Ouachita, Rapides, Richland, Sabine, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Washington and West Feliciana.

Voters can utilize Louisiana's award-winning, free smartphone app, GeauxVote Mobile, to locate their early voting site, election day voting site and view their sample 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 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. 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 now use a digital license via LA Wallet.

Election Day for the PPP and Municipal Primary is Saturday, July 11 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

For more information, contact the Elections Division by calling 225.922.0900 or emailing elections@sos.la.gov.

- www.sos.la.gov -

CYBER SECURITY AND ELECTION INTEGRITY BILLS SIGNED INTO LAW

June 12, 2020

BATON ROUGE, La. — Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin is proud to announce the following election integrity and cybersecurity related bills have been signed into law by Governor John Bel Edwards from the 2020 Regular Legislative Session. "These new laws will strengthen Louisiana's already nation-leading cybersecurity posture and election integrity measures. Through the process, these bills enjoyed bipartisan support, and I am grateful Governor Edwards has signed these important measures into law," Ardoin stated. 

ACT 117—SB 273 Provides for registration with secretary of state by managed service providers servicing public bodies. This legislation will strengthen cybersecurity posture to protect personal information of voters.

ACT 130—HB 114 Provides relative to parish boards of election supervisors. This will prohibit nepotism on Boards of Election Supervisors.

ACT 136—HB 290 Prohibits the disclosure of addresses and telephone numbers of election commissioners. This legislation protects the privacy of our election commissioners and protects them from harassment.

For more information about the Secretary of State's Elections Division, visit www.GeauxVote.com or call 225.922.0900.​

- www.sos.la.gov -

​QUALIFYING FOR NOVEMBER 3 PRESIDENTIAL GENERAL AND OPEN CONGRESSIONAL PRIMARY

June 10, 2020

BATON ROUGE, La. — Qualifying for the November Presidential General/Congressional Primary Election has been rescheduled to Wednesday, July 22 through Friday, July 24 pursuant to Act. No. 28 of the 2020 Louisiana Legislature.

With the passage of the Emergency Election Plan last month, spring elections were delayed until July 11 and August 15, which necessitated a one week delay of qualifying for the fall elections. Qualifying will now be held July 22-24.

All candidates for local municipal races will qualify with their parish clerk of court. All candidates for U.S. Representatives, U.S. Senators, Associate Justices of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal 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. 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 elections will be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2020, and Saturday, December 5. For more information on qualifying, visit the secretary of state's website at www.sos.la.gov.

- www.sos.la.gov -

​SECRETARY ARDOIN WARNS BUSINESSES OF POTENTIAL SCAMS

March 31, 2020

BATON ROUGE, La.—Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin is alerting business owners of fraudulent letters being mailed to businesses indicating an “annual report renewal" The letter directs owners to mail payments in the amount of $125 to C.P.S. THIS LETTER IS NOT FROM THE LOUISIANA SECRETARY OF STATE'S COMMERCIAL DIVISION and should be immediately discarded.

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

Business owners are encouraged to view their annual report renewals through the geauxBiz portal or contact the Department of State's Commercial Division for more information at 225.925.4704 or commercial@sos.la.gov.

Additionally, Secretary Ardoin reminds owners to subscribe to the department's commercial email notification system aimed at protecting businesses from fraud and identity theft. Anyone can sign up for the system which generates messages regarding changes to commercial entities, non-governmental correspondence, office closures and most importantly, warnings involving possible fraudulent activity.​

Subscriptions to the system are complimentary and voluntary, individuals are able to easily register via the website while viewing a corporation record. Once subscribed under the specified entity, notifications will be sent if any changes are made to the company. In addition, the system will generate a message if an annual report is not filed on time; a business is not in good standing; or a business is revoked. Subscribers can also opt to receive messages via text.

EMERGENCY ELECTION PLAN PASSES​

​April 27, 2020

BATON ROUGE, La. – Today, following the passage of Louisiana's emergency election plan, Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin released the following statement: 

“This is a great result for Louisiana's voters and election workers, especially those most susceptible to the COVID-19 virus. I want to thank President Cortez, Speaker Schexnayder, Chairwoman Hewitt, and Chairman Dwight as well as the Attorney General and the Governor for the strong partnership in developing this emergency election plan. Our plan serves as a pragmatic and temporary response to the COVID-19 pandemic ravaging our nation. I am grateful the legislature has approved this plan, which will have immediate and positive outcomes for Louisiana voters and residents."

-www.sos.la.gov-

​

COVID-19 AND ELECTIONS UPDATE​

​March 13, 2020

BATON ROUGE, La. –Today, Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin held a press conference to address the postponement of elections due to COVID-19.

The health and safety of Louisiana residents is critical, and we want to do our part to prevent the spread of this highly infectious disease. One key stakeholder in our decision is our election day polling commissioners. Over half of Louisiana's polling commissioners are over the age of 65, and the CDC warns that the older adults; people who have serious chronic medical conditions such as: heart disease, diabetes or lung disease are the people most at risk for serious illness from COVID-19.

Louisiana law allows for the postponement of an election due to an emergency or common disaster occurring before or during a regularly scheduled or special election, and today Secretary Ardoin exercised that option. “Today, I have certified that a state of emergency exists, and requested that the Governor issue an executive order postponing the spring elections" Secretary Ardoin said Friday, “We have requested postponing the April 4 Presidential Preference Primary and Municipal Primary until June 20 and postponing the May 9 General election until July 25." 

The 2-month delay will allow our office to continue to procure necessary supplies to put our state in the best possible posture to conduct elections. Attached is the emergency certification sent to Governor John Bel Edwards.

Listed below are a few of the CDC recommendations for elections and election officials we are recommending and following:

• Stay at home if you have fever, respiratory symptoms, or believe you are sick.
• Practice hand hygiene frequently: wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• Practice routine cleaning of frequently touched surfaces with household cleaning spray or wipe: including tables, doorknobs, light switches, handles, desks, toilets, faucets, sinks, etc.
• Disinfect surfaces that may be contaminated with germs after cleaning: A list of products with EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens claims is available at epa.gov.
• Products with EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens claims are expected to be effective against the virus that causes COVID-19 based on data for harder to kill viruses. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products.
• Clean and disinfect voting-associated equipment (e.g., voting machines, laptops, tablets, keyboards) routinely.
  

The April 4 Presidential Preference Primary and Municipal Primary election will be held on June 20. Early Voting will be conducted June 6 through June 13 (excluding Sunday, June 7).

The May 9 Municipal General election will be held on July 25. Early Voting will be conducted July 11 through July 18 (excluding Sunday, July 12).

​VOTER REGISTRATION DEADLINES FAST APPROACHING FOR PRESIDENTIAL PREFERENCE PRIMARY​

BATON ROUGE, La. - With voter registration deadlines fast approaching, Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin is reminding Louisianians that only registered Democrats and Republicans will be eligible to vote in the April 4 Presidential Preference Primary, while voters in 24 parishes, regardless of party, may have a local election on their ballot.

The in-person or by mail registration deadline is Wednesday, March 4, and the online registration deadline is Saturday, March 14.

The PPP will be held April 4 and allows electors of the Democratic and Republican parties to vote on their respective party's nominee for President of the United States. The Democratic Party and the Republican Party will also have their parish executive committee elections, while Democratic Party members will vote for their state central committee members.

Additionally, 24 parishes will have local races on the ballot, and are open to eligible voters, regardless of party. Those parishes include Bienville, Caddo, Calcasieu, Concordia, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Evangeline, Jefferson, Lafourche, Livingston, Natchitoches, Orleans, Ouachita, Rapides, Richland, Sabine, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Washington and West Feliciana. Voters in all parishes are urged to check their sample ballot via voterportal.sos.la.gov or on the free Geaux Vote App.

Citizens can check their registration or register to vote online at www.GeauxVote.com; at your parish Registrar of Voters Office; while obtaining services at the Office of Motor Vehicles, public assistance agencies, public schools, colleges, and libraries; or by mail. After registering, voters are encouraged to download the GeauxVote Mobile smartphone app. The app provides registration information as well as voting districts, sample ballots, polling place information, and election results.​

For more information about the Secretary of State's Elections Division, visit www.GeauxVote.com or call 225.922.0900.

​SECRETARY ARDOIN ANNOUNCES THE SMALL BUSINESS PROTECTION ACT
​

BATON ROUGE, La. — Today, Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin is announcing the rollout of the Small Business Protection Act (SBPA). Passed in the 2019 Legislative Session, the Small Business Protection Act helps make owners aware of proposed regulations that could negatively impact their business entities. 

According to recent government data, Louisiana small businesses are responsible for employing nearly one million state residents and account for 99.5% of all Louisiana businesses. Unfortunately, onerous government rules and regulations have often made it too difficult for small business owners to do what they do best-run their businesses.

Secretary Ardoin praised the legislation, stating, “Small businesses are the backbone of Louisiana's economy, and we are always looking for ways to help businesses succeed in Louisiana. The Small Business Protection Act is the latest tool to help in this effort." 

Under the SBPA, the Secretary of State's office has created a database of both current and proposed rules and regulations. This will allow businesses to provide input before regulations take effect, rather than forcing businesses to react to regulations.

The Small Business Protection Act took effect on February 1, the database is live now. Businesses can register for updates and view the database at smallbiz.sos.la.gov.​

- www.sos.la.gov -

​View agenda​ for the Jan. 22 meeting for the State Board of Election Supervisors Meeting.

​BATON ROUGE, La--- Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin is announcing holiday closures for the following museums.

Louisiana State Cotton Museum will be closed Thursday, Dec. 19, 2019 through Tuesday Jan. 7, 2020.

Louisiana's Old State Capitol will be closed for cyclical maintenance Saturday, Dec. 21, 2019 through Monday, January 20, 2020. 

​For more information, please contact our office at 225.922.2880.

• 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 free 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.
• Our goal is accuracy, not speed. While polls close at 8 p.m., please allow time for election results to come in from the parishes. Results can be viewed in real-time via GeauxVote Mobile or the secretary of state's website at 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.

​ELECTION DAY REMINDERS​

BATON ROUGE, La.—Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin is reminding everyone that Saturday, Oct. 12 is Election Day in all 64 parishes. There are candidate races and constitutional amendments in all parishes in addition to propositions in 26 parishes*.

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 free 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 -

*The 26 parishes with propositions are Acadia, Assumption, Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Claiborne, DeSoto, East Baton Rouge, Iberia, Lafayette, Livingston, Morehouse, Orleans, Pointe Coupee, Rapides, Richland, Sabine, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Mary, Tangipahoa, Terrebonne, Union, Washington, Webster and West Carroll.

​​SECRETARY OF STATE TO TEST ELECTION RESULTS FOR GUBERNATORIAL PRIMARY ELECTION​​

BATON ROUGE, La.—Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin's office will test its electronic election results system on Tuesday, Oct. 8 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 -​

EARLY VOTING BEGINS SATURDAY FOR OCT. 12 ELECTION​

BATON ROUGE, La.—Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin is encouraging all eligible Louisianians to consider voting early in the gubernatorial primary election. Early voting begins Saturday, Sept. 28 and continues through Saturday, Oct. 5 from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, excluding Sunday, Sept. 29. There are 665 candidate races, 58 propositions and four constitutional amendments on ballots across the state.

“It's officially fall, so that means two things in Louisiana: elections and football," Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin said. “Many of our colleges and universities will be playing on Election Day, so I'm encouraging voters to cast their ballot during early voting."

Those who choose to take advantage of early voting will cast their ballots on new touchscreen voting machines. The new leased machines are similar to the previous machines, but increase the security of the vote and the integrity of our election process. Because this is the first election the machines are being used in, and considering the length of the gubernatorial ballot, voters may not vote as quickly as they have in the past.

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 gubernatorial primary is Saturday, Oct. 12 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 -

​ASSOCIATED WOMEN IN THE ARTS FALL SHOW AT LOUISIANA STATE ARCHIVES​​

BATON ROUGE, La.—Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin invites the public to visit the Louisiana State Archives to view the fall show of the Associated Women in the Arts. The exhibit, titled “35 Years of Excellence in Art," will be on display from Sept. 24 through Oct. 30. A reception will be held on Oct. 17 from 6-8 p.m.

Curated by Christy Diniz Liffman, the exhibit showcases members' most recent work that has not been shown in Baton Rouge before. Members' art will feature a variety of subjects including sunsets, florals and Baton Rouge rendered in acrylics, watercolors and oils.

The mission of the Associated Women in the Arts is to advance the causes of women artists by creating opportunities for them to produce, exhibit and discuss their work. In doing so, the organization will help broaden the culture base of Baton Rouge and assist the cause of art throughout the state. For more information, visit 222AssociatedWomenintheArts.com.

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 -

​DESOTO PARISH EARLY VOTING TO BE HELD IN TWO LOCATIONS​

Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin, DeSoto Parish Registrar of Voters Amanda Mars and DeSoto Parish Police Jury President Reggie Roe are announcing that early voting for the Oct. 12 Gubernatorial Primary Election will be held in two places. Voters can early vote at both the old Registrar of Voters Office as well as the new Registrar's Office.

The old Registrar's Office is located 105 Franklin St. in Mansfield, and the new Registrar's Office is located at 104 Crosby St., also in Mansfield. There will be signage and staff directing voters at each location.

“I am glad to see the Registrar's Office move from its old location," Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin said. “The new building is more accessible and spacious which will ensure privacy for the voters of DeSoto Parish."

Early voting for the Gubernatorial Primary Election is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 28 through Saturday, Oct. 5, excluding Sunday, Sept. 29, from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sample ballots are available online at sos.la.gov or at the Registrar's Office.

For more information about early voting in DeSoto Parish, contact the Registrar of Voters Office at 318.872.1149. For more information about the Secretary of State's Elections Division, visit GeauxVote.com or call 225.922.0900.

- www.sos.la.gov -

VOTER REGISTRATION DEADLINES FAST APPROACHING FOR GUBERNATORIAL PRIMARY ELECTION​

Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin is reminding Louisianians that the deadlines to register to vote in the Oct. 12 Gubernatorial Primary Election are fast approaching. The in person or by mail deadline is Wednesday, Sept. 11, and the online deadline is Saturday, Sept. 21. 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 can to 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 Gubernatorial Primary Election is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 28 through Saturday, Oct. 5, excluding Sunday, Sept. 29, from 8:30 a.m. to 6 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 -

​VOTER REGISTRATION WEEK 2019 BEGINS SEPT. 2​​

BATON ROUGE, La.—Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin is joining registrars of voters across the state the week of Sept. 2-6, 2019 to host Voter Registration Week activities aimed at registering eligible citizens to vote. The next regularly scheduled election in Louisiana is the Gubernatorial General scheduled for Oct. 12.

“The first step to participating in the electoral process is registering to vote," Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin said. “This fall, Louisianians will choose statewide leaders as well as vote for a host of local and municipal races, constitutional amendments and propositions. Make sure you get registered so you can Geaux Vote 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 or 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 from our website at GeauxVote.com, 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 or, if under such an order not have been incarcerated pursuant to the order within the last five years and not be under an order of imprisonment related to a felony conviction for election fraud or any other election offense pursuant to La. R.S. 18:1461.2;
• 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.
  

The deadline to register to vote in person or by mail is Wednesday, Sept. 11. The deadline to register to vote online is Saturday, Sept. 21.

For a complete listing of voter registration activities in individual parishes, visit https://www.sos.la.gov/Pages/NewsAndEvents.aspx#faq240. For more information about elections and voting, contact the Secretary of State's Elections Division at 225.922.0900 or elections@sos.la.gov.

- www.sos.la.gov -

For more information on cybersecurity, view our ​Securing Your Vote​ brochure. It includes threats and mitigation, steps we've taken and lists our state and federal partners.

• 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.

​The following is important information for the May 4, 2019 Municipal General Election:

• The deadline to register to vote in person or by mail is April 3.
• The deadline to register to vote through the GeauxVote Online Registration System is April 13.
• Early voting is April 20-27 (except Sunday, April 21) from 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
• The deadline to request an absentee by mail ballot is April 30 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 May 3 by 4:30 p.m. (other than military and overseas voters).​
  

ELECTION DAY REMINDERS

BATON ROUGE, La.—Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin is reminding everyone that Saturday, March 30 is Election Day. For the special general, there are three candidate runoffs in state representative districts 17, 18 and 62 in seven parishes. There are 42 candidate races and 33 propositions in 30 parishes for the municipal primary.

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 -

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, March 26 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.

Finally, the Communications Office for Election Day will be staffed by Press Secretary Tyler Brey and Public Information Director Brandee Patrick. Brey can be reached at 225.954.1322 (cell) or tyler.brey@sos.la.gov. Patrick can be reached at 225.328.2977 (cell) or brandee.patrick@sos.la.gov.

- www.sos.la.gov -

EARLY VOTING BEGINS SATURDAY FOR MARCH 30 ELECTION

BATON ROUGE, La.—Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin is encouraging all eligible Louisianians to consider voting early in the special general/municipal primary election. Early voting begins Saturday, March 16 and continues through Saturday, March 23 from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, excluding Sunday, March 17.

For the special general, there are three candidate runoffs in state representative districts 17, 18 and 62 in seven parishes. There are 42 candidate races and 33 propositions in 30 parishes for the municipal primary.

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, visithttps://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 general/municipal primary is Saturday, March 30 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

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

- www.sos.la.gov -

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).

URBAN MEYER TO VISIT EDDIE G. ROBINSON MUSEUM AS PART OF LEGACY KEEPERS SERIES

BATON ROUGE, La.—Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin is inviting the public to attend the inaugural event of “Legacy Keepers: Preserving the Eddie Robinson Playbook” on Thursday, March 21 at 7 p.m. at the Fredrick C. Hobdy Assembly Center on the campus of Grambling State University. Former Ohio State University head football coach Urban Meyer will serve as the event’s keynote speaker continuing the celebration of Coach Eddie G. Robinson’s 100thbirthday. Admission for the event is free, and doors open at 6 p.m.

Prior to the event, there will be a VIP reception at 5 p.m. at the Eddie G. Robinson Museum. A limited number of tickets are available at https://tinyurl.com/eddierobinson100. The VIP reception package includes a meet and greet with Coach Meyer; hors d’oeuvres by Copelands of New Orleans; and special VIP seating at the Legacy Keepers program.

The Eddie G. Robinson Museum is a landmark that officially recognizes the outstanding contributions to the State of Louisiana, the nation and the game of football by Coach Robinson. The Eddie G. Robinson Museum is located on the campus of Grambling State University where Coach Robinson achieved legendary status by becoming NCAA Division I football's all-time winningest coach.For more information, call Jesse Mayfield at the Eddie G. Robinson Museum at 318.274.2210.

- www.sos.la.gov -

OLD STATE CAPITOL OPENS NEW EXHIBIT, CELEBRATES 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF RESTORATION

BATON ROUGE, La.—Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin is inviting the public to view the new permanent exhibit at Louisiana’s Old State Capitol. The exhibit’s opening commemorates 25 years since the restoration of the building and its re-opening under the Secretary of State’s Office. The new display also comes on the heels of the former statehouse being re-accredited through the American Alliance of Museums.

The new permanent exhibit, “Castle on the River: The Evolution of Louisiana’s Old State Capitol,” chronicles the Capitol from its inception to its current function as a museum. The exhibit was designed by HW Exhibits and funded by the Old State Capitol Foundation, the Charles Lamar Family Foundation and the Friends of the Old State Capitol.

“I am so proud to have Louisiana’s Old State Capitol as part of the Secretary of State’s Office,” said Secretary Ardoin. “Aside from its beautiful architecture, the former statehouse is rich in history which makes it perfect for its current use as a museum.”

The Old State Capitol originally opened in 1852 and was destroyed by fire during the Civil War. In 1880, the building was restored and the grand stained glass rotunda was added to the building. It served as the capitol until 1932 when the new State Capitol opened.

The building was used for various offices, but fell into a state of disrepair thereafter. In 1991, it was transferred to the Secretary of State’s Office. The late Secretary of State Fox McKeithen led a three-year, $6 million restoration effort, and the building re-opened in 1994.

Today, the Old State Capitol’s mission is to educate the public on Louisiana’s rich history and the democratic process through exhibits, programming and the arts. The museum is dedicated to inspiring engaged citizenship, advancing the collection and preserving the National Historic Landmark.

For more information about the Old State Capitol, contact Press Secretary Tyler Brey at 225.362.5086 or tyler.brey@sos.la.gov.

- www.sos.la.gov -

VOTER REGISTRATION DEADLINES FAST APPROACHING FOR MUNICIPAL PRIMARY ELECTION

Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin is reminding Louisianians that the deadlines to register to vote in the March 30 Municipal Primary Election are fast approaching. The in person or by mail deadline is Wednesday, Feb. 27, and the online deadline is Saturday, March 9. 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 can to 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 Municipal Primary Election is scheduled for Saturday, March 16 through Saturday, March 23, excluding Sunday, March 17, from 8:30 a.m. to 6 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

BATON ROUGE, La.—Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin is reminding everyone that Saturday, Feb. 23 is Election Day. There are seven state representative races in the special primary in 13 parishes across the state.

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 http://www.sos.la.gov.

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

- www.sos.la.gov -

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).

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 -

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 -