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 202 Engrossed 2019 Regular Session Gregory Miller
Abstract: Provides that a polling place is not required to be opened when the registrar of voters
determines that fewer than 10 voters are eligible to vote in the election.
Present law (R.S. 18:531) provides that generally, a voter on election day must vote at the polling
place in the precinct where he is registered to vote.
Present law (R.S. 18:531.1) provides that the polling place for a particular precinct is not required
to be opened when it is determined by the registrar of voters after the close of early voting, that all
voters eligible to vote in the precinct have voted absentee by mail or during early voting.
Proposed law retains present law.
Present law additionally provides that a polling place is not required to be opened when the registrar
determines that there are no voters eligible to vote in the voting district in the precinct for any office
or proposition on the ballot.
Proposed law provides that the polling place is not required to be opened when there are fewer than
10 eligible voters, instead of no eligible voters. Otherwise retains present law.
Present law requires the registrar to notify the secretary of state and the other members of the parish
board of election supervisors of all determinations by the registrar concerning not opening a polling
place.
Present law provides that when the polling place for a precinct to which a voter is assigned is not
opened and it is subsequently determined on election day that a voter is eligible to vote and has not
voted absentee by mail or during early voting, the voter may cast his vote at the polling place nearest
the precinct at which he is registered, provided such polling place has the ballot for which he is
eligible to vote on a voting machine. Requires the registrar to authorize a commissioner at the
nearest polling place to allow the voter to vote after the voter completes and signs the affidavit of
voter form. Provides that if no such polling place is available, the voter may cast his vote by paper
ballot in the office of the registrar of voters or at a location designated by the registrar.
Proposed law retains present law and makes present law applicable to proposed law.
Effective upon signature of governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action. (Amends R.S. 18:531.1(A)(1))