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 138 Original 2021 Regular Session Farnum
Abstract: Creates a supplemental annual canvass of registered voters
Present law (R.S. 18:192) requires each registrar of voters to annually canvass the names of persons
registered to vote. Provides procedures for verifying the names and addresses of such registrants.
Provides procedures and requirements for correction and cancellation of registrations in conjunction
with the canvass. Provides that the registrar of voters shall annually canvass the names of the
registrants in all precincts in the parish no later than June.
Proposed law retains present law and requires each registrar of voters to annually conduct a
supplemental canvass to identify voters who have moved and need to update their voter registration
applications to their current addresses and who did not do so in the annual canvass. Provides
procedures for identifying such registrants, including mailing address confirmation cards. Further
provides that such registrants shall be placed on the inactive list of voters until the registrant
confirms that the address on the confirmation card is correct. Provides that the registrar shall transfer
the voter's registration information to the parish of residence if the voter has permanently moved to
a different parish. Provides that the registrar shall cancel the voter's registration if the voter has
permanently moved to a different state.
Proposed law provides that a voter's registration shall be canceled after a period of two regularly
scheduled federal general elections if the voter fails to respond to the confirmation card. Further
provides that a list of names and addresses to whom confirmation cards are sent and whether or not
each person responded to the confirmation card shall be maintained for a period of two years and
shall be open to inspection.
Proposed law requires biannual publication of the list of inactive voters in a newspaper.
Effective April 1, 2022.
(Amends R.S. 18:196(A)(1) and (D); Adds R.S. 18:192.1)