Louisiana voters will encounter a new election format beginning in 2026, as a recently enacted law shifts certain races from the state’s traditional open “jungle primary” system to a closed-party primary process.
The change, implemented through Act 1 of the 2024 First Extraordinary Session of the Louisiana Legislature, limits participation in select races based on a voter’s registered party affiliation. The new system will apply to contests for the U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, Louisiana Supreme Court, Public Service Commission, and the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Under the closed-party primary format, registered Democrats may only vote for Democratic candidates, and registered Republicans may only vote for Republican candidates in those races. Voters registered as “No Party” may choose either a Democratic or Republican ballot at the polls but must remain with that party for any subsequent runoff election.
Voters registered with minor parties, including Green or Libertarian, will not be eligible to participate in closed-party primary contests but may still vote in other races or amendments on the ballot that remain open to all voters.
The new system does not affect all elections. Other contests on the same ballot will continue under the state’s traditional open primary rules, allowing all voters to participate regardless of party affiliation.
The first election using the new format is scheduled for Saturday, May 16, 2026. Offices expected on the ballot include the U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, Louisiana Supreme Court, and Public Service Commission.
For that election, the deadline to register to vote in person, by mail, or at an Office of Motor Vehicles location is April 15. Online registration through the GeauxVote system will remain open until April 25. Early voting will take place May 2 through May 9, excluding Sunday, May 3, from 8:30 AM to 6 PM. The deadline to request an absentee ballot is May 12 by 4:30 PM, and completed absentee ballots must be received by May 15 at 4:30 PM. Polls will be open from 7 AM to 8 PM on election day.
If no candidate receives a majority, defined as more than 50 percent of the vote, the top two candidates will advance to a runoff election scheduled for June 27, 2026.
The general election for these offices will be held November 3, 2026, using an open format. In that election, the candidate receiving the highest number of votes, known as a plurality, will be declared the winner, with no majority required. A final general election date, if needed, is set for December 12, 2026.
Election officials are urging voters to review their current registration, particularly their party affiliation, as it will determine eligibility in closed-party primary races. Officials note that voting history does not change party registration status.
Voters can verify or update their registration through the GeauxVote Mobile app, online at GeauxVote.com, or by visiting their parish Registrar of Voters, Clerk of Court, or the Secretary of State’s Office.
“No Party” voters who wish to participate in a closed primary must complete a Declaration of Ballot Choice form at their polling place. The selected party will determine which candidates they may vote for in the primary and any runoff but will not change their official party registration or affect participation in the November general election.
Voters are reminded to bring a valid photo ID and, if available, their voter registration card when casting a ballot.
State officials encourage residents to familiarize themselves with the new system ahead of the 2026 election cycle to ensure they understand how their registration status will affect their voting options.
