RÉSUMÉ DIGEST
ACT 425 (HB 211) 2018 Regular Session Jackson
Existing law (R.S. 18:1311) requires the registrar of voters to keep a list containing the
names of all persons who vote by early voting ballot during early voting and those from
whom the registrar has received absentee ballots by mail. Requires the registrar, after the last
day for early voting, to prepare a list, arranged alphabetically by precinct, of the names of all
persons who have voted during early voting or from whom absentee ballots by mail were
received on or before the last day for early voting. Requires the registrar to retain a copy of
the list for use by the parish board of election supervisors on election night.
Existing law requires the registrar to prepare a supplemental list, arranged alphabetically by
precinct, of the names of all persons from whom absentee ballots by mail have been received
after the last day for early voting and before election day. Requires the registrar to deliver
the supplemental list for each precinct to the parish custodian who then delivers the
supplemental list for each precinct to the deputy parish custodian appointed for that precinct.
Requires the registrar to retain a copy of the supplemental list for use by the parish board of
election supervisors on election night.
Prior law required the registrar to post a copy of each list in a conspicuous place accessible
to the public at the entrance to his office.
New law repeals prior law. Provides instead that the registrar ensure that each list is
available for inspection by members of the public at the principal office of the registrar when
the office is open. Additionally requires the lists to be posted on the website of the secretary
of state at least until the election returns have been promulgated.
Existing law (R.S. 18:154) provides that the records of each registrar are public records and
at all times during office hours shall be open to inspection, except the early voting
confirmation sheets of voters.
Existing law requires the registrar to allow his records to be copied when 25 or more
qualified voters make a request in writing. Provides that if such copying would seriously
interfere with the registration of voters or the performance of his duties, the registrar shall
cause his employees to make copies of the requested records or print the information
electronically, if the electronic copy contains the same information, and deliver them to the
voters or request the secretary of state to reproduce such records which may then be
forwarded to the registrar for delivery to the voters. Provides that copying by the registrar
or his employees or the secretary of state or printing an electronic copy shall be done in the
presence of a representative of the requesting voters, if they so request.
New law requires the registrar to permit the copying of lists of early and absentee by mail
voters prepared pursuant to existing law (R.S. 18:1311) upon the request of a single person
of the age of majority instead of 25 or more qualified voters.
Effective August 1, 2018.
(Amends R.S. 18:154(B) and 1311(B), (C), and (E); Adds R.S. 18:1311(A))