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)]
HB 563 Original 2016 Regular Session Richard
Abstract: Allows a candidate to have the word "independent" placed on the ballot in lieu of an
indication of political party affiliation.
Present law (R.S. 18:463) requires a person who desires to become a candidate in a primary election
to qualify by timely filing a notice of candidacy. Provides relative to the content of a notice of
candidacy. Requires the notice of candidacy to state certain information concerning the candidate
including the candidate's name, the office he seeks, the address of his domicile, and the parish, ward,
and precinct where he is registered to vote. Also requires the candidate to list the name of the
political party if the candidate is registered as being affiliated with a recognized political party,
"other" if the candidate is registered as being affiliated with a political party that is not a recognized
political party, or "no party" or an abbreviation thereof if he is registered with no political party
affiliation.
Proposed law retains present law. Additionally requires the candidate to indicate whether the word
"independent" should appear on the ballot in lieu of the party affiliation information provided
pursuant to present law.
Present law (R.S. 18:551) provides relative to the preparation of election ballots. Provides that the
political party designation of a candidate who is registered as being affiliated with a recognized
political party shall be listed on the primary or general election ballot on the same line and
immediately after or below the candidate's name. Provides that if a candidate is affiliated with a
political party that is not a recognized political party, the word "other" shall be placed after his name.
Provides that if a candidate is not affiliated with any political party, the words "no party" or an
abbreviation thereof shall be placed after his name on the ballot. Provides for the size and style of
the type used on ballots and for spacing.
Proposed law retains present law. However, provides that if the candidate has indicated pursuant
to proposed law that the word "independent" should appear on the ballot, the information provided
in present law shall not be placed on the ballot; in lieu thereof, the word "independent" shall be
placed on the primary or general election ballot on the same line and immediately after or below the
candidate's name.
(Amends R.S. 18:463(A)(1)(a) and 551(D))