Can You Register to Vote on Election Day 2024 in Louisiana?

On Election Day, many people across the country do their civic duty and head on down to the polls. In some states, you can even register to vote on the day of the election itself, but unfortunately, Louisiana does not offer same-day voter registration. If you’re not already registered by Election Day in Louisiana, you’ll need to sit out this election and prepare to participate in future ones.

However, there are several convenient ways to register for future elections in Louisiana, ensuring you’re ready when the next voting opportunity comes around.

How to Register to Vote in Louisiana

Louisiana makes voter registration accessible through several options:

1. Online Registration: You can complete the process online by visiting the Louisiana Secretary of State’s website. Online registration is simple but requires a Louisiana driver's license or special ID to complete.

2. By Mail: Print out a voter registration form, fill it out, and mail it to your local election office. Be sure to follow registration deadlines (detailed below) to ensure your registration is processed on time.

3. In Person: If you prefer face-to-face interactions, visit your local election office, the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles, or select public service sites to register in person.

Key Deadlines for the November 2024 Election

Planning ahead is essential to ensure you’re registered and your ballot is counted. Here are the key deadlines for those planning to vote in November 2024:

- Registration Deadlines:
- In-Person: October 7
- Online: October 15
- By Mail (postmarked): October 7

- Absentee Ballot Deadlines:
- Request (received by): November 1 at 4:30 p.m. CDT
- Return by Mail (received by): November 4 at 4:30 p.m. CST
- Return in Person: November 4 at 4:30 p.m. CST

- Voting Deadlines:
- Early Voting: October 18 - October 29
- Election Day Voting: November 5

Eligibility Requirements to Register in Louisiana

To be eligible to register to vote in Louisiana, you must meet these criteria:

- U.S. Citizenship: Only U.S. citizens are eligible.
- Age Requirements: You can register at 17 (or 16 if registering in person at the Registrar of Voters Office or the Louisiana Office of Motor Vehicles), but you must be 18 to vote.
- Legal Status: Individuals with certain felony convictions or under mental incompetence rulings may be restricted from voting.
- Residency: You must live in the state and parish where you intend to register and vote.
- Advance Registration: To vote in an election, you must be registered at least 20 days prior if registering online or 30 days prior if registering in person or by mail.

Registering Online

For those with a Louisiana driver’s license or special ID, the online registration process is convenient and quick. Just visit the GeauxVote website and follow the instructions. If you don’t have a state-issued ID but meet other requirements, you can still register by mailing in a voter registration application.

Louisiana may not allow same-day voter registration, but with plenty of ways to register in advance, you can make sure your voice is heard in upcoming elections.