Skip to main content

Louisiana elections in 2026

This page lists Louisiana statewide election dates, voter registration deadlines, absentee and early voting timelines, poll hours, and official election resources.

At a glance​

Register to vote in Louisiana​

Start with the official Louisiana voter registration page. The section below highlights registration methods and the deadlines tied to the next statewide election on this page.

Louisiana voters may register online, by mail, or in person. Registration deadlines may vary by election type or method where noted.

Upcoming registration deadlines​

  • May 27, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline - In person: The deadline to register to vote in person, by mail, or at an OMV Office
  • June 6, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline - Online: The deadline to register to vote through the GeauxVote Online Registration System is June 6.

Online​

You must be registered at least 20 days prior to an election if registering through the GeauxVote Online Registration System with a Louisiana driver's license or Louisiana special ID card.

Eligibility or requirements

  • Must meet state voter registration eligibility requirements.

Deadlines

By Mail​

You must be registered at least 30 days prior to an election if registering by mail to be eligible to vote in that particular election. If mailing in an application, the application or envelope must be postmarked 30 days prior to the first election in which you seek to vote.

Deadlines

In Person​

You must be registered at least 30 days prior to an election if registering in person to be eligible to vote in that particular election.

Deadlines

Special registration options​

Military Overseas: Available

You may register to vote or change your registration online or print an application to register to vote and return it by mail or fax to your parish registrar of voters.

Additional registration notes​

Other Registration Option

The National Mail Voter Registration Form may also be available where accepted.

Registration Status

Consider yourself registered when- and only when- you receive an acknowledgment from your county clerk. Never assume you are registered to vote until you have received this acknowledgment. Call your county clerk and inquire about the status of your application.

Absentee and early voting in Louisiana​

These absentee and early voting deadlines are tied to the next statewide election listed on this page. Local procedures can vary, so confirm final details with your local election office.

  • May 27, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline - In person: The deadline to register to vote in person, by mail, or at an OMV Office
  • June 12, 2026 — Early voting Begins: Early voting is June 12-20 (excluding Sunday, June 14, and Friday, June 19, for Juneteeth) from 8: 30 a. m. -6 p. m.
  • June 20, 2026 — Early Voting Ends: Early voting period is June 12-20 (excluding Sunday, June 14, and Friday, June 19, for Juneteeth)
  • June 23, 2026 — Absentee Ballot Request Deadline: The deadline to request an absentee ballot is June 23 by 4: 30 p. m (other than military and overseas voters). You can request an absentee ballot online through our Voter Portal or in writing through your Registrar of Voters Office.
  • June 26, 2026 — Absentee Ballot Return Deadline: The deadline for a registrar of voters to receive a voted absentee ballot is June 26 by 4: 30 p. m. (other than military and overseas voters).

Voter ID requirements in Louisiana​

Review the current voter ID rules before you vote: Louisiana voter ID requirements.

Louisiana election dates for 2026​

Primary Election — May 16, 2026​

U. S. Senate, La. Supreme Court Justice, Board of Elementary and Secondary Education Member, Public Service Commission Member -- Municipal Primary Election

Important dates​

  • April 15, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline in person, by mail, or at an OMV Office: The deadline to register to vote in person, by mail, or at an OMV Office
  • April 25, 2026 — Online Voter Registration Deadline: The deadline to register to vote through the GeauxVote Online Registration System is April 25.
  • May 2, 2026 — Early Voting Begins: Early voting is May 2-9 (excluding Sunday, May 3) from 8: 30 a. m. -6 p. m.
  • May 9, 2026 — Early Voting Ends: Early voting period is from May 2 to May 9
  • May 12, 2026 — Absentee Ballot Request Deadline: The deadline to request an absentee ballot is May 12 by 4: 30 p. m (other than military and overseas voters). You can request an absentee ballot online through our Voter Portal or in writing through your Registrar of Voters Office.
  • May 15, 2026 — Absentee Ballot Return Deadline: The deadline for a registrar of voters to receive a voted absentee ballot is May 15 by 4: 30 p. m. (other than military and overseas voters).

Primary Election — June 27, 2026​

On election day, the polls are open from 7 a. m. -8 p. m.

Important dates​

  • May 27, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline - In person: The deadline to register to vote in person, by mail, or at an OMV Office
  • June 6, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline - Online: The deadline to register to vote through the GeauxVote Online Registration System is June 6.
  • June 12, 2026 — Early voting Begins: Early voting is June 12-20 (excluding Sunday, June 14, and Friday, June 19, for Juneteeth) from 8: 30 a. m. -6 p. m.
  • June 20, 2026 — Early Voting Ends: Early voting period is June 12-20 (excluding Sunday, June 14, and Friday, June 19, for Juneteeth)
  • June 23, 2026 — Absentee Ballot Request Deadline: The deadline to request an absentee ballot is June 23 by 4: 30 p. m (other than military and overseas voters). You can request an absentee ballot online through our Voter Portal or in writing through your Registrar of Voters Office.
  • June 26, 2026 — Absentee Ballot Return Deadline: The deadline for a registrar of voters to receive a voted absentee ballot is June 26 by 4: 30 p. m. (other than military and overseas voters).

Primary Election — November 3, 2026​

Primary elections for members of congress and officers elected at the same time as members of congress are held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of an election year. R. S 18: 402

Important dates​

  • July 29, 2026 — Candidates Qualifying Period: The qualifying period for all candidates is July 29-31, 2026. 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 at the Secretary of State's office 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 issued by a state or national bank or credit union and must be accompanied by the qualifying form.
  • October 5, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline By Mail, Fax or email attachment: You must be registered at least 30 days prior to an election if registering by mail to be eligible to vote in that particular election. If mailing in an application, the application or envelope must be postmarked 30 days prior to the first election in which you seek to vote.
  • October 5, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline In Person: You must be registered at least 30 days prior to an election if registering in person to be eligible to vote in that particular election.
  • October 13, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline Online: You must be registered at least 20 days prior to an election if registering through the GeauxVote Online Registration System with a Louisiana driver's license or Louisiana special ID card.
  • October 20, 2026 — Early voting begins: Early Voting Begins Fourteen days prior any election Day. However, for the presidential election, the period for conducting early voting shall be from eighteen days to seven days prior to the presidential election.
  • October 27, 2026 — Early voting ends: Early voting ends 7 days before Election Day.
  • October 30, 2026 — Absentee Ballot Request Deadline: The deadline to request an absentee ballot is October 30 by 4: 30 p. m (other than military and overseas voters). You can request an absentee ballot online through our Voter Portal or in writing through your Registrar of Voters Office.
  • November 2, 2026 — Absentee Ballot Return Deadline: The deadline for a registrar of voters to receive a voted absentee ballot is November 2 by 4: 30 p. m. (other than military and overseas voters).

General Election — December 5, 2026​

General elections for members of congress and officers elected at the same time as members of congress are be held on the fifth Saturday after the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of an election year. R. S 18: 402

Important dates​

  • November 12, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline - In person and By Mail: The deadline to register to vote in person, by mail, or at an OMV Office is November 12.
  • November 21, 2026 — Voter Registration Deadline - Online: The deadline to register to vote through the GeauxVote Online Registration System is November 21.
  • November 28, 2026 — Early voting begins: Early voting is November 28-December 5 (excluding Sunday, November 29) from 8: 30 a. m. - 6 p. m.
  • December 5, 2026 — Early voting ends: Early voting is November 28-December 5 (excluding Sunday, November 29) f
  • December 8, 2026 — Absentee Ballot Request Deadline: The deadline to request an absentee ballot is December 8 by 4: 30 p. m. (other than military and overseas voters). You can request an absentee ballot online through our Voter Portal or in writing through your Registrar of Voters Office.
  • December 11, 2026 — Absentee Ballot Return Deadline: The deadline for a registrar of voters to recieve a voted absentee ballot is December 11 by 4: 30 p. m. (other than military and overseas voters).

Official Louisiana election resources​

Use these official and state-specific resources to confirm dates, registration rules, absentee voting requirements, voter ID rules, and local procedures.

What may vary locally​

Election dates, voter registration deadlines, early voting, absentee voting, and voting hours apply to statewide elections in most cases. However, Check with your Town Clerk for the hours of voting, and voter registration deadlines as they vary by town. Please be advised that these dates are updated regularly but are subject to scheduling changes at the local level.