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 347 Original 2024 Regular Session Green
Abstract: Extends the early voting period to last for two weeks, inclusive of Sundays.
Present law provides the period for conducting early voting shall be from 14 days to seven days prior
to any scheduled election. Further provides that for the presidential election, the period for
conducting early voting shall be from 18 days to seven days prior to the presidential election.
Proposed law provides the period for conducting early voting shall be from 21 to seven days prior
to any scheduled election.
Present law provides that during the early voting period, the registrar of voters shall maintain regular
office hours, remaining open from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Proposed law instead requires the registrar of voters to remain open from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on
each day, including Saturdays and Sundays, during the early voting period.
Present law provides that the registrar shall observe holidays which are provided by law or
proclaimed by the governor for state departments during any period to conduct early voting.
Proposed law excepts Sundays and Saturdays from the legal holidays that the registrar is required
to observe.
Present law provides for the designation of a branch or additional office for purposes of conducting
early voting in certain circumstances. Further provides that the days during which early voting may
be conducted in the branch or additional office shall be fixed by the registrar, with the approval of
the secretary of state, at least 30 days prior to a primary election and 21 days prior to a general
election.
Proposed law instead requires that the approval of dates occur at least 35 days prior to a primary
election and 28 days prior to a general election.
Present law provides that election expenses incurred by a registrar of voters and his permanent
employees to perform election duties and responsibilities associated with early voting on any day
during the week between 4:30 p.m. and the time that early voting terminates that day and on any
Saturday on which early voting is conducted shall be paid by the state from funds appropriated to
the secretary of state for that purpose and shall be a reimbursable election expense.
Proposed law retains present law and further provides the same for any Sunday on which early voting is conducted.
(Amends R.S. 18:1309(A)(1)(a)(i) and (b)(ii), (2), and (4), (B)(1), and (M)(1)(a) and 1400.8)