Louisiana voter guide to the Nov. 5 presidential election
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Louisiana voters will hit the polls Nov. 5 to elect a new president, but they'll have a few local choices to make, too.
Why it matters: The presidential election will take up most of the airtime and energy, but local elections often have more impact on Americans' day-to-day lives.
The big picture: Although Vice President Kamala Harris has ignited some energy in the Democratic party, it's likely not enough to tip Louisiana's long-time GOP-leaning electoral college scales in her direction.
- That leaves the local elections to also be the most interesting ones.
Voter registration and important dates
Registration: Louisiana voters who want to register in-person, at an Office of Motor Vehicles Office or by mail have until Oct. 7 to do so. If you want to register online, you have until Oct. 15.
- See the Secretary of State's website for the documentation you'll need.
Early voting: You don't need any special reason to vote early, but you will need a picture ID or signed voter affidavit. See accepted documentation.
- Early voting runs Oct. 18-29, excluding Sundays, from 8:30am to 6:30pm.
- Login to your voter portal on the Secretary of State's website for locations near you.
Absentee voting: Unless you're in the military or overseas, you have until Nov. 1 at 4:30pm to request an absentee ballot.
- Request one online or at a Registrar of Voters office.
Election Day is Nov. 5.
- Polls will be open 6am to 8pm.
Work at a polling station
What's more American than helping to facilitate a free and fair election?
- Registered voters are eligible to work at a polling station, and it is a paid gig.
- Workers are required to attend a training session and work at least four hours on Election Day. Get more details.
What's on the ballot
Besides the presidential election, Louisiana voters will also make selections in the congressional primary as well as some judgeships and other local leaders. See the full list of Louisiana's candidates.
- Statewide, voters will say yes or no to a constitutional amendment that would put the state's cut of federal revenues from renewable energy production into the Coastal Protection and Restoration Fund. Our guide to the amendment.
- And, finally, voters will also decide on local propositions.
Zoom in: In Orleans Parish, local props include whether to add a workers' bill of rights to the home rule charter, whether to appropriate 2% of the general fund to a housing trust fund, and "crime prevention" fees for Mid-City and Lakeshore.
- Jefferson Parish's local propositions include a charter amendment related to parish employees and a Stonebridge subdivision tax.
- Our guide to the local propositions.
The intrigue: In the New Orleans metro, incumbent Rep. Troy Carter and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise will be up for re-election, but the more interesting-to-watch election is just beyond our boundaries in the the newly-majority Black 6th Congressional District.
- It was previously held by Rep. Garret Graves but redrawn after a lengthy federal court battle.
- Candidates include four Democrats and one Republican, former Rep. Elbert Guillory.
- State Sen. Cleo Fields, who's tight with Gov. Jeff Landry, and newcomer Quentin Anthony Anderson, who started his political career by interning for former President Obama's campaign, are also considered contenders.
What's next: Any congressional races that don't select a winner outright with more than 50% of the vote will return for runoffs in the Dec. 7 congressional general election.