How to vote by mail in louisiana

Voting by mail, also known as absentee voting, is a convenient way to cast your ballot in Louisiana. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you vote by mail in Louisiana:

Eligibility: To vote by mail in Louisiana, you must:

  1. Be a registered voter in Louisiana.
  2. Be unable to vote in person on Election Day due to a physical disability, illness, or absence from the parish.
  3. Be a member of the military, a merchant mariner, or a voter living overseas.

Requesting an Absentee Ballot:

  1. Online: Go to the Louisiana Secretary of State's website (www.sos.la.gov) and fill out the online application for an absentee ballot.
  2. By Mail: Download and complete the Absentee Ballot Application (Form ABS-100) from the Louisiana Secretary of State's website. Mail the completed form to your parish registrar of voters.
  3. In Person: Visit your parish registrar of voters' office and request an absentee ballot application.

Filling Out the Absentee Ballot:

  1. Once you receive your absentee ballot, carefully read the instructions and fill out the ballot according to the instructions.
  2. Make sure to sign and date the ballot envelope.
  3. Return the completed ballot by mail or in person to your parish registrar of voters' office.

Returning the Absentee Ballot:

  1. By Mail: Mail the completed ballot to your parish registrar of voters' office. Make sure to use a trackable mail service, such as USPS tracking, to ensure your ballot is received.
  2. In Person: Return the completed ballot to your parish registrar of voters' office in person.

Deadline: The deadline to request an absentee ballot is usually 7 days before the election. However, it's best to check with your parish registrar of voters' office for specific deadlines.

Additional Tips:

  1. Make sure to sign and date the ballot envelope to ensure your ballot is counted.
  2. If you make a mistake on your ballot, do not attempt to correct it. Instead, contact your parish registrar of voters' office for guidance.
  3. If you are unable to return your ballot by mail, you can also return it in person to your parish registrar of voters' office.

By following these steps, you can exercise your right to vote by mail in Louisiana. Remember to request your absentee ballot well in advance of the election to ensure timely receipt and processing.