Louisiana Constitution ARTICLE XI. ELECTIONS
Here’s a refined overview of Article XI – Elections of the Louisiana Constitution, based on the 1974 Constitution as amended through 2023:
📜 Article XI – Elections
Section 1. Election Code
The legislature must adopt an election code establishing permanent voter registration and procedures for conducting all elections. (senate.la.gov)
Section 2. Secret Ballot; Absentee Voting; Preservation of Ballot
All public elections must be conducted by secret ballot.
The legislature must provide for absentee voting.
Proxy voting is forbidden.
Ballots are to be counted publicly and preserved intact until any election contests are resolved.
However, in elections of public representatives (e.g., legislative votes), voting may be done viva voce (by voice). (ballotpedia.org)
Section 3. Privilege from Arrest
Electors (voters) cannot be arrested on election day while traveling to or from the polls, except in cases of felony.
Section 4. Prohibited Use of Public Funds
No public money may be used to urge voters to support or oppose any candidate or proposition, nor can it be given to political candidates or organizations. However, government entities can spend public funds to disseminate factual information about ballot propositions. (legis.la.gov)
Section 5. Registrar of Voters
Each parish must have a Registrar of Voters, with qualifications and duties prescribed by the legislature. (senate.la.gov)
🧭 Summary
| Section | Key Requirement |
|---|---|
| §1 | Legislative must enact a comprehensive election code |
| §2 | Guarantees secret ballots, absentee voting, public counts, and ballot preservation |
| §3 | Voters are protected from arrest on election day (except for felonies) |
| §4 | Bans partisan public spending; allows factual government communication |
| §5 | Establishes the parish-level voter registrar office |
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