Election day is two weeks away and with record breaking numbers already heading out to the polls there are likely many first time voters. There are a few things you should know to make sure you're prepared before you cast your ballot.
If you don't want to have to visit the polls twice know the voter id requirements. Here in Louisiana, you must present a valid photo ID. Acceptable photo ID options include:
A Louisiana driver's license
A Louisiana special ID card (you can get one for free at the Office of Motor Vehicles by showing your voter information card).
A Louisiana Wallet digital driver's license through the app on your phone
Any other generally recognized picture ID card that contains your name and signature.
This last option is not ideal, but it will work. If you do not have any form of ID, you can still vote by signature on a voter affidavit.
You can also get a free Louisiana Special ID at the Office of Motor Vehicles by showing your voter information card. If you have misplaced your voter information card, contact your registrar of voters for a new one or print your own by logging into the Louisiana Voter Portal as a voter.
It is important to note there is no requirement for employers to grant time off for employees to vote so if you can't vote on election day, November 3rd, you'll have to early vote before the October 27th deadline.
You don't need any reason to vote early and it works almost the same as election day voting. You will have to visit your parish Registrar of Voters office and the hours are from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Everyday except Sunday.
For those with a mail in ballot, you don't get a second chance to fill one out so you'll want to make sure the first one is perfect. Here's how to make sure it is filled out correctly and counted:
Mark your ballot carefully! Unlike a polling place, you cannot get a new ballot if you make a mistake. Make sure the ovals are filled all the way in.
Insert your completed ballot into the inner envelope, seal it, date it and then sign your name on the space with the "X" on the outside of the envelope. This is very important, if the inner envelope is not signed and dated, the ballot cannot be counted!
Place the inner envelope inside the outer mailing envelope and seal it. Drop the envelope in the mailbox. Or, if you are concerned about the time it takes to mail, drop it off at the registrar of voter's office.
Citizens who want to vote early may do so in person at the parish registrar of voters office or at other designated locations.
See early voting locations in Acadiana:
Acadia
568 NW COURT CIRCLE
CROWLEY, LA
Evangeline
EVANGELINE PARISH COURTHOUSE
200 COURT ST, STE 102
VILLE PLATTE
Iberia
IBERIA PARISH COURTHOUSE
300 S. IBERIA ST. STE 110
NEW IBERIA
Jeff Davis
302 N CUTTING AVE
JENNINGS
Lafayette
1010 LAFAYETTE ST., SUITE 313
LAFAYETTE
* MARTIN LUTHER KING RECREATIONAL
CENTER
309 CORA STREET
LAFAYETTE, LA 70501
* EAST REGIONAL LIBRARY
215 LA NEUVILLE ROAD
YOUNGSVILLE, LA 70592
St. Landry
COURTHOUSE
118 S. COURT ST., SUITE 114
OPELOUSAS
EUNICE CITY HALL
300 S. SECOND STREET
EUNICE, LA 70535
St. Martin
ST. MARTIN PARISH COURTHOUSE ANNEX
415 SAINT MARTIN STREET
ST MARTINVILLE
* STEPHENSVILLE FIRE STATION (NEW)
1227 STEPHENSVILLE ROAD
MORGAN CITY, LA 70380
* SYDNIE MAE DURAND SENIOR CITIZEN
CENTER
391 CANNERY ROAD
BREAUX BRIDGE, LA 70517
St. Mary
ST MARY PARISH COURTHOUSE
500 MAIN ST., STE. 301
FRANKLIN
ST MARY PARISH ANNEX BUILDING
301 THIRD ST
MORGAN CITY, LA 70380
Vermilion
VERMILION PARISH COURTHOUSE
COURTHOUSE, 100 N. STATE ST., #120
ABBEVILLE
(* indicates that these locations may be open for limited dates. Check early voting locations at the Voter Portal or contact your registrar for information.)
Due to Hurricane’s Laura and Delta, the Secretary of State's Office says that some polling locations have been relocated.
For a complete listing of early voting locations, visit https://voterportal.sos.la.gov/EarlyVoting.