How to vote in Louisiana in 2026
Every deadline, rule, and official link — kept simple. When you're ready, build a personal plan with calendar reminders in about a minute.
Key dates
- Statewide Party Primary
- Saturday, May 16, 2026
- State Primary Runoff
- Saturday, June 27, 2026
- Statewide Majority-Vote Primary (concurrent with General Election)
- Tuesday, November 3, 2026
- General Election
- Tuesday, November 3, 2026
- Majority-Vote General (runoff for Nov 3 races)
- Saturday, December 12, 2026
- Register online by
- Tuesday, October 13, 2026
- Register by mail by
- Monday, October 5, 2026(postmarked)
- Register in person by
- Monday, October 5, 2026
- Request a mail ballot by
- Friday, October 30, 2026
Deadlines shown are for the November 3, 2026 general election.
Register to vote
Online: 20 days before Election Day. By mail: Postmarked 30 days before Election Day. In person: 30 days before Election Day.
Online — the fastest way
A few minutes on the official site.
By mail
Print, sign, and mail the National Mail Voter Registration Form.
In person
At your local election office or DMV.
Already registered? Double-check.
Vote by mail
Louisiana requires an approved excuse to vote by mail. Received by 4:30pm, 4 days before Election Day (unless this day falls on a weekend or holiday; then the deadline is the following business day)
Returning it: Received by 4:30pm, 1 day before Election Day (most voters). Received by 8PM Election Day (members of the military, overseas, hospitalized, and sequestered jury voters).
Vote in person
Vote early where available (dates vary by county), or at your polling place on Election Day — Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
Quick answers
Can I register to vote online in Louisiana?
Yes — Louisiana has official online registration (deadline: Tuesday, October 13, 2026 for the general election). It usually takes a few minutes.
Do I need an excuse to vote by mail?
Yes — Louisiana requires an approved excuse (like being away, illness, or disability) to vote by mail.
Can I register on Election Day?
No — same-day registration isn't available in Louisiana, so the advance deadline is the one that counts. Online: 20 days before Election Day. By mail: Postmarked 30 days before Election Day. In person: 30 days before Election Day.
When are the 2026 elections?
Statewide Party Primary: Saturday, May 16, 2026 · State Primary Runoff: Saturday, June 27, 2026 · Statewide Majority-Vote Primary (concurrent with General Election): Tuesday, November 3, 2026 · General Election: Tuesday, November 3, 2026 · Majority-Vote General (runoff for Nov 3 races): Saturday, December 12, 2026
Turn this into your plan
Three questions, then every Louisiana deadline lands on your calendar with reminders.
Make your voting planCompiled from official state sources, vote.gov, and Ballotpedia (2026 calendars). Rules occasionally change — when it matters, confirm with the Louisiana election office. Found an error? Tell us.