DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of
the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of
the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
Connick HB No. 296
Abstract: Provides for an automatic recount in elections when the number of absentee by mail
and early voting ballots could make a difference in the outcome of the election.
Present law (R.S. 18:1313) provides relative to the tabulation and counting of absentee by mail
and early voting ballots. Provides that if the number of absentee by mail and early voting ballots
cast for all candidates for an office could make a difference in the outcome of the election for
such office, the parish board of election supervisors shall recount the absentee by mail ballots.
Proposed law retains present law.
Present law provides that the recount only takes place if requested by a candidate for such office.
Requires the request to be filed with the clerk. Provides deadlines. Provides that the candidate
requesting the recount shall be responsible for all reasonable costs associated with such recount
which shall be payable to the clerk of court. Provides for the method of payment. Proposed law
repeals present law. Applies proposed law to proposition elections in addition to candidate
elections.
(Amends R.S. 18:1313(J)(2)(a) and (b); Repeals R.S. 18:1313(J)(2)(d))