Another Presidential election is coming up this November, and if you are 18 years or older, and you haven’t voted in the past or you have moved to Louisiana since the last time you voted, then you will want to make sure that you are registered to vote in your city, in Louisiana, by October 11th at the very latest.
Requirements to Register to Vote in Louisiana
You are eligible to vote in Louisiana if you:
- Are a U.S. Citizen
- Live at a Louisiana address
- Are at least 18 years old by Election Day, November 8, 2016
- Are not under an order of imprisonment for a felony conviction*
- Are not judged mentally incompetent or have your voting rights suspended
How Do I Register to Vote in New Orleans?
There are a few different ways you can register to vote in the state of Louisiana and in New Orleans, specifically. First, click here to see if you are already registered to vote in Louisiana: https://voterportal.sos.la.gov/Home/VoterLogin
Here are three different ways you can register to vote:
How to Register to Vote Online
In order to register to vote in Louisiana online, you’ll need your Louisiana driver’s license or special ID card number, as well as a residential address in Louisiana.
Can I Vote if I’ve Been Convicted of a Felony in Louisiana?
If you have been convicted of a felony in Louisiana, you lose your right to vote in any election during the time of your prison sentence, parole supervision, or probationary period. However, once you complete your sentence and pay all of your fines and fees, your right to vote in Louisiana is restored. Even if you were unable to vote in a previous election because of conviction, you may be able to vote this year. Click on this link:
http://www.sos.la.gov/ElectionsAndVoting/Pages/OnlineVoterRegistration.aspx
In addition to registering to vote, you can also change your registration at this link using an easy-to-use online application. On your ID card or driver’s license, there is an AUDIT code – you’ll need to enter that four-digit number from the front of your card in order to register online. From here, follow the instructions on-screen. If you have any questions, you can always contact Voter Registration. Phone numbers for Louisiana Voter Registration can be found at this link: http://www.sos.la.gov/ElectionsAndVoting/ContactUs/Pages/default.aspx
Register to Vote in New Orleans by Mail
If you want to register to vote in Louisiana the old fashioned way by mailing in your voter application form, click on this link and print the voter application: http://www.sos.la.gov/ElectionsAndVoting/PublishedDocuments/ApplicationToRegisterToVote.pdf
Complete the form, including checking whether you are a US Citizen, if you’re going to be 18 years old on or before November 8th of this year, your full contact information, info from your driver’s license or ID card or the last four digits of your social security number, gender, party affiliation if you want, place of birth, mother’s maiden name, and any other questions and then mail your completed form by October 11th to YOUR parish Registrar of Voters.
If you are in Orleans Parish, you’re going to mail it to:
City Hall 1300
Perdido Room 1W23
New Orleans, LA 70112-2127
Or
Algiers Courthouse
225 Morgan St. Room #105
New Orleans, LA 70114
If you’re in Jefferson Parish, mail your voter registration application to:
Joseph Yenni Parish Building
PO Box 10494
Jefferson, LA 70181-0494
Or
Charles Odom Building
PO Box 2248
Marrero, LA 70073-2248
Or
408 Minor Street
Kenner, LA 70062
For a complete list of all Louisiana Parish Registrars of Voters addresses, click here: https://voterportal.sos.la.gov/Registrar
How to Register to Vote in Person in Louisiana
If you are pressed for time, or just feel more comfortable registering to vote in person, here is a list of places that you can register to vote in Louisiana before October 11th:
- Any Registrar of Voters office: https://voterportal.sos.la.gov/Registrar
- Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles: http://dpsweb.dps.louisiana.gov/omvfielddirections.nsf/$parish?openview
- Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services
- Any Louisiana public assistance agency that administers or provides services under the food stamp, Medicaid, WIC, FITAP programs
- Offices serving persons with disabilities (e.g. Deaf Action Centers and Independent Living Offices)
- Military recruitment offices
Make sure you bring with you the voter registration form to save time. You can print it out here: http://www.sos.la.gov/ElectionsAndVoting/PublishedDocuments/ApplicationToRegisterToVote.pdf
You must also bring your driver’s license or special ID card as well as documentation showing your in-state residential address.
How to Vote in Louisiana
Once you are registered to vote, make sure you know how to vote as well. Election Day is Tuesday, November 8, 2016. Keep this date in your calendar.
Bring an ID with you, such as your Louisiana driver’s license or special ID card or any other generally recognized picture ID card that contains your name and signature.
Polls are open on November 8th from 6:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. so if you are in line by 8:00 p.m. you will be allowed to vote.
In Louisiana, you can vote early from October 25th – November 1st. Make sure to bring your photo ID at this time. Anyone who is registered to vote can vote early.
You can also vote by mail, if you plan to be absent from Louisiana during early voting and on Election Day. For instance, if you are a member of the military, or the spouse or dependent of a service member, you are a student, instructor, professor of higher education, or a member of the clergy assigned to a religious post outside your parish, in addition to a host of other reasons why you aren’t able to vote in person, download your absentee by mail ballot here: http://www.sos.la.gov/ElectionsAndVoting/PublishedDocuments/ApplicationForAbsenteeByMailBallot.pdf
What Happens if My Voter Registration is Denied?
If you are denied the right to register for the upcoming election, you should immediately call a lawyer. In many cases, a lawsuit is required to protect your right to vote. Crescent City Law works with non-profits organizations who can help people whose voter registrations were denied earn the right to vote before Election Day. You can call us today at (504) 264-9492 or e-mail us here. We’re also available through social media.
