Make sure you can vote in Louisiana fall elections featuring Congress, mayors
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Louisiana has a blockbuster lineup of fall elections, and Republican Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin said it's particularly important this year for established voters and those who want to cast ballots to check their registration or beat the deadline to register because many district boundaries changed with the state's new redistricting maps.
Topping the marquee is the statewide U.S. Senate race featuring incumbent Republican John Kennedy, who may break a state fundraising record with a $40 million goal, taking on a field led by progressive Gary Chambers Jr., who has drawn national attention with his provocative ads, and moderate Democrat Luke Mixon, a former Navy fighter pilot.
All but one of Louisiana's U.S. House seats are in play. Only Republican 4th District Congressman Mike Johnson will return to Congress unopposed.
In Shreveport, a wild 10-candidate mayor's race has already seen incumbent Democratic Mayor Adrian Perkins disqualified in a residency challenge before the Supreme Court put him back on the ballot, longtime Democratic state Sen. Gregory Tarver making a bid and fringe Republican candidate Melvin Slack making LGBTQ slurs before saying he is dropping out of the race and then changing his mind.
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There are judicial races up and down the ballot, two Louisiana Public Service Commission seats in play and two special legislative races as well as a host of local elections.
"It's important for everyone to check their registration because of the new political maps," Ardoin told the USA TODAY Network. "These are important elections and we want as many people to participate as possible."
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Voters and potential voters who have questions can call the secretary of state's election number at 1-800-883-2805.
Following are important dates and deadlines for the Nov. 8 and Dec. 10 elections:
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Nov. 8, 2022: Open Congressional Primary Election
The deadline to register to vote in person, by mail or at the Office of Motor Vehicles Office is Oct. 11.
The deadline to register to vote through the secretary of state's GeauxVote Online Registration System is Oct. 18.
Early voting is Oct. 25-Nov. 1 (excluding Sunday, Oct. 30) from 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
The deadline to request an absentee ballot is 4:30 p.m. Nov. 4 (other than military and overseas voters). Voters can request an absentee ballot online through the secretary of state's Voter Portal or in writing through the parish registrar of voters offices.
The deadline for a registrar of voters to receive a vote absentee ballot is 4:30 p.m. Nov. 7 (other than military and overseas voters).
On election day, the polls are open from 6 a.m.-8 p.m.
Dec. 10, 2022: Congressional General Election
The deadline to register to vote in person, by mail or at the Office of Motor Vehicles Office is Nov. 9.
The deadline to register to vote through the secretary of state's GeauxVote Online Registration System is Nov. 19.
Early voting is 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Nov. 26-Dec. 3 (excluding Sunday, Nov. 27).
The deadline to request an absentee ballot is 4:30 p.m. Dec. 6 (other than military and overseas voters). Voters can request an absentee ballot online through the secretary of state's Voter Portal or in writing through a registrar of voters office.
The deadline for a registrar of voters to receive a vote absentee ballot is 4:40 p.m. Dec. 9 (other than military and overseas voters).
On election day, the polls are open from 7 a.m.-8 p.m.
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: Louisiana blockbuster elections set: Here's how to make sure you can vote
