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 216 Engrossed 2023 Regular Session Horton
Abstract: Authorizes certain qualified nonresident active duty servicemembers serving at a military
installation in La. and their dependents to serve as election commissioners at any precinct in
the parish where the military installation is located.
Present law provides that a qualified voter who is able to perform the essential duties of a
commissioner and who is not a candidate in the election may be selected as a commissioner in any
precinct of the ward where he is registered to vote.
Present law provides that a student at an institution of higher learning located in this state may be
selected as a commissioner in any precinct if he meets certain criteria.
Proposed law retains present law and provides that a nonresident active duty servicemember serving
at a military installation in La. or his dependent may be selected as a commissioner in any precinct
in the parish where the military installation is located if the servicemember or his dependent is
registered to vote in another state, is able to perform the essential duties of a commissioner, is not
a candidate in the election, submits to the clerk a copy of his military identification card and a copy
of his proof of voter registration, and he wears plain clothes while serving in his capacity as
commissioner.
Proposed law further requires that a person serving as a commissioner at a precinct outside of the
ward where he is registered to vote pursuant to present law and proposed law shall certify that he is
a U.S. citizen.
Present federal law defines "dependent" as a uniformed servicemember's spouse, certain children,
certain parents or parents-in-law, and certain unmarried persons placed in the legal custody of the
servicemember.
Present law defines "military installation" as any base, military airport, camp, post, station, yard,
center, home port facility for a ship, or any other military activity center that is under the jurisdiction
of the U.S. Dept. of Defense.
(Amends R.S. 18:425(B)(6))