The most important thing you can do to support candidates you believe in and to help our community thrive is to vote! So how do you vote in Southwest Louisiana? Read below to ensure you’re eligible to vote and to explore the three different options you have to do so.
1. Register to vote.
Are you registered to vote? If you’ve recently moved, if it’s been a while since you voted or if you just aren’t sure, check out GeauxVote.com or the Geaux Vote app. Use the site or app to register to vote, change your voter information, view sample ballots and more!
2. Get informed.
Do you know which districts you live in? (Your school board district isn’t the same as your police jury district or your state representative district.) With the Geaux Vote app or website, you can view a sample ballot and identify which candidates you’re eligible to vote for. Be sure to do your research!
3. Decide how you’ll vote.
You can vote early, absentee or on Election Day. I like to vote early – it’s the most flexible option for all schedules!
Election Day Voting
When? Oct. 14 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Where? On Election Day, vote at your assigned polling location. In District 8, polling locations include S.J. Welsh Middle School, Barbe Elementary School, Positive Connections, Prien Lake Elementary School and St. John Elementary School. You can find your assigned polling location at GeauxVote.com or on the Geaux Vote app.
How? Be sure to arrive during voting hours and bring a government-issued photo ID like a driver’s license or passport). It’s also helpful to bring a sample ballot to make your voting experience efficient and easy!
Early Voting
When? Sept. 30 through Oct. 7 (excluding Sunday, Oct. 1) from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where? Calcasieu Registrar of Voters Office 1000, Ryan Street Room #7, Lake Charles, LA 70601(Note that on some election dates, early voting is also available in Sulphur and Moss Bluff. Click here to find the most updated information from the Calcasieu Clerk of Court.)
How? You do not need to pre-register or have a reason to vote early! Any and all registered voters are free to utilize this opportunity. Make sure to bring a government-issued photo ID.
Absentee Voting
Absentee voters must file and mail an application prior to the election date. For the Oct. 14, 2023, election date, request an absentee ballot no later than Oct. 10 by 4:30 p.m. (this is not required for military and overseas voters).
You can request an absentee ballot online through the Louisiana Secretary of State’s Voter Portal or in writing through the Registrar of Voters office.
The deadline for a registrar of voters to receive a completed absentee ballot is Oct. 13 by 4:30 p.m. (other than military and overseas voters).
Geaux vote!
