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 286 Engrossed 2021 Regular Session Jones
Abstract: Adds language that provides that, for the presidential election, the period for conducting
early voting shall be from 18 days to 7 days prior to the presidential election.
Present law (R.S. 18:1309) provides for early voting preceding election day. Provides that the early
voting period for an election is the period from 14 days to seven days prior to the election. Generally
provides that early voting is held at the registrar of voters' office and requires the office to be open
from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on each day, Monday through Saturday. Requires the registrar, during
the early voting period, to maintain regular office hours, remaining open from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday through Saturday. Present law provides that a registrar shall observe the holidays which are
provided by law or proclaimed by the governor for state departments during the early voting period.
Present law provides that Sundays are legal holidays. Present law further provides that one day of
early voting shall be added at the beginning of the period if one or more holidays is required to be
observed on a weekday during the period. Proposed law retains present law.
Proposed law provides that for the presidential election the period for conducting early voting shall
be from 18 days to 7 days prior to the presidential election.
Effective upon signature of governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Amends R.S. 18:1309(A)(1)(a)(i))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on House and Governmental
Affairs to the original bill:
1. Limit the proposed law extension of early voting to presidential elections.