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 565 Original 2017 Regular Session Jay Morris
Abstract: Repeals provisions of law that allow a person to vote without presenting certain forms
of identification if the person executes an affidavit containing certain information.
Present law (R.S. 18:562 and 1309) provides procedures and requirements for voting at polling
places during early voting and on election day. Requires a person to establish his identity prior to
voting. For this purpose, requires the person to present a La. driver's license, a La. special
identification card issued pursuant to present law (R.S. 40:1321), or other generally recognized
picture identification card that contains the name and signature of the person.
Proposed law retains present law.
Present law provides that a person may vote if he does not have the specified picture identification
if he completes and signs an affidavit, which is supplied by the secretary of state, to that effect before
the election officials, which affidavit shall include the person's date of birth and mother's maiden
name. Provides that the person may receive assistance in completing the affidavit if he is unable to
read or write or is otherwise unable to complete the affidavit due to disability. Provides that a person
who is allowed to vote without the specified picture identification is subject to challenge as provided
in present law (R.S. 18:565 and 1315).
Proposed law repeals present law.
Present law (R.S. 18:431 and 433) provides relative to the training of commissioners,
commissioners-in-charge, and alternate commissioners. Requires the clerk of court to conduct
courses of instruction. Provides for minimum standards.
Proposed law retains present law.
Present law requires the clerk of court to instruct commissioners, commissioners-in-charge, and
alternate commissioners that it is their duty to offer any voter who does not have picture
identification as provided in present law (R.S. 18:562) an affidavit to sign to that effect.
Proposed law repeals present law.
(Amends R.S. 18:431(A)(1)(b) and (B)(1), 433(A)(3), 562(A)(2), and 1309(D)(1))