1 hour ago - Election

Here's how tough Louisiana's ballot is to read

Chelsea Brasted

Illustration of a graduation cap against a background with abstract shapes. — Illustration: Shoshana Gordon/Axios

If reading Louisiana ballot measures makes you feel like you need to go back to school, join the club.

The big picture: Louisiana's constitutional amendments on this election cycle's ballots require at least a 9th-grade reading level, according to a Ballotpedia analysis.

By the numbers: The state's amendments average a 16th-grade reading level — theoretically the same as a bachelor's degree.

That's a readability score, not an education requirement ... But still.
The most complicated amendment by Ballotpedia's measure is No. 7, which if approved would allow public funds to be used for replacing lead water lines. Understanding it requires a 22nd-grade reading level, or an additional 6 years of schooling past a bachelor's degree.

Zoom in: With 10 amendments to slog through on this Tuesday's ballot, plus elections for various offices and additional local measures, it's worth doing the reading ahead of time.

Read the full text of each constitutional amendment here. The nonpartisan Public Affairs Research Council has a full explainer and a one-pager.

Axios' Alayna Alvarez contributed to this report.

Add Axios on Google

Here's how tough Louisiana's ballot is to read

More New Orleans stories