Can I vote-by-mail in my state?

Maybe. Louisiana requires an excuse to vote-by-mail. You can find a list of the accepted excuses below. If you qualify, follow the application steps listed. If you don't qualify, call your representatives and ask them to change the rules. Many states have already done so this year. Click here to register as a new voter or to check your existing registration. (It's always a good idea to double-check.) https://voterportal.sos.la.gov/Home/VoterLogin

Are there any other restrictions or requirements to apply?

If you're a first time Louisiana voter who registered by mail and you didn't provide ID when you registered, you'll need to provide a photocopy of one of the following forms of ID along with your mail ballot:

• A copy of a current photo ID showing your name and photograph
• A copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows your name and address (excluding a voter information card)

Who is allowed to vote-by-mail?

You may vote by absentee ballot in Louisiana if:

• you are a student or teacher located and living outside of your parish of registration, or the spouse/dependent thereof;
• you are 65 years of age or older;
• you are a minister, priest, rabbi, or other member of the clergy assigned outside of your parish of registration, or the spouse/dependent thereof;
• you are or expect to be temporarily outside the territorial limits of the state or absent from your parish of registration during the early voting period and on Election Day;
• you moved your residence to another parish more than 100 miles from the parish seat of your former residence after the voter registration books closed (the books close 30 days prior to Election Day);
• you are involuntarily confined in an institution for mental treatment outside your parish of registration and you are not interdicted and not judicially declared incompetent;
• you expect to be hospitalized on Election Day and did not have knowledge until after the time for early voting had expired; you were hospitalized during the time for early voting and you expect to be hospitalized on Election Day; or you were either hospitalized or restricted to bed by your physician during early voting and on Election Day;
• you work or expect to be offshore working and expect to be out of your precinct of registration both during the early voting period and on Election Day because of your employment or occupation;
• you are incarcerated in an institution inside or outside of your parish of registration and you are not serving time for a felony conviction;
• you are a program participant in the Department of State's Address Confidentiality Program;
• you will be sequestered on the day of Election Day; or
• you are the secretary of state, an employee of the secretary of state, or an employee of the registrar of voters.

Application form link:

Online Application: https://voterportal.sos.la.gov/

1. Click the "Search By Voter" button.
2. Type in your First Name, Last Name and Zip Code or Birth Month and Year and then click the "Submit" button;
3. Click the "Request Absentee Ballot" link found under the Quick Links heading; and
4. Complete requested information and submit.

Where should I send my completed application?

Submit your application online or You may deliver your printed application to your parish registrar of voters via U.S. Postal Service, commercial carrier, hand delivery or fax. If hand delivered or faxed, the application can only be for you or your immediate family member. https://voterportal.sos.la.gov/registrar

When is the application due?

Technically, applications must be received by 4:30pm, 4 days before Election Day. (October 30, 2020) To avoid delays within the election office and the postal service, we recommend you send it immediately and no later than the middle of October. New voters must register by mail or in person by October 5 and online by October 14, 2020.

***Shenanigan Alerts***

Things to look out for: Absentee ballots must be signed by a witness. This can be anyone over the age of 18. Postal workers are not allowed to sign your ballot as a witness. At this time, only five states have the kind of restrictive regulations Louisiana has.

What if I don't qualify to vote-by-mail?

It can be frustrating to learn that different states have different rules for voting. Where you live shouldn't affect your right to vote safely. If you are a Louisiana resident and you want to vote-by-mail, call your elected officials. Pressure from constituents matters. Other states have changed their requirements this year due to concern over Coronavirus. At this time, only five states have the kind of restrictive regulations Louisiana has. Enter your address in the link below. Call the offices of your governor and state legislators listed at the bottom. https://www.270towin.com/elected-officials/

I have a question that wasn't answered here.

Please call the county election office where you live. They are in charge of elections and should be able to help you. https://voterportal.sos.la.gov/registrar

When do I have to mail or drop off my completed ballot?

Technically, ballots must be received by 4:30 p.m. the day before Election Day. (November 2, 2020) To avoid delays within the election office and the postal service, we recommend you return your voted ballot as soon as it arrives and no later than the middle of October. You may also drop your ballot at your local election office. It's a good idea to call and check first. https://voterportal.sos.la.gov/registrar

Does it require a stamp? Two?

Read the outside of the envelope to see if additional postage may be required. The US Postal service will deliver any ballot, regardless of whether or not it has the correct postage, or any at all. They will charge the local election office for any unpaid postage. https://time.com/4547550/absentee-mail-ballot-postage-stamp-postal-service-usps/

Can my ballot be dropped off at a polling site or dedicated drop box?

There are no drop boxes and voters may not drop their ballots at polling sites. The only drop off location is your local Parish Registrar of Voters Office. https://voterportal.sos.la.gov/registrar

Is there any way to check if my ballot was received?

https://voterportal.sos.la.gov/

I have a question that wasn't answered here.

Please call the county election office where you live. They are in charge of elections and should be able to help you. https://voterportal.sos.la.gov/registrar

Does my state offer any in-person early voting days?

October 20-27, 2020 (excluding Sunday, October 25) from 8:30 am to 6 pm

Link to information and locations:

https://voterportal.sos.la.gov/earlyvoting

I have a question that wasn't answered here.

Please call the county election office where you live. They are in charge of elections and should be able to help you. https://voterportal.sos.la.gov/registrar