Louisiana Voting Rights Act Proposed to Strengthen Ballot Access

Advocates rally behind new state-level legislation to protect voting rights as federal protections face uncertainty.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 9:08am

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Advocacy groups in Louisiana, including the Power Coalition for Equity and Justice, are voicing strong support for a proposed Louisiana Voting Rights Act. The new state-level legislation aims to create additional safeguards to protect access to the ballot, prevent voter discrimination, and ensure equal participation in elections across the state, especially for historically marginalized communities.

Why it matters

With potential changes looming to federal voting rights protections, states are being called upon to take action to secure voting rights for their citizens. The proposed Louisiana Voting Rights Act represents a state-level effort to shore up voting access and prevent voter suppression, ensuring the state's elections are free, fair, and representative of all communities.

The details

The Louisiana Voting Rights Act, sponsored by State Sen. Royce Duplessis (D-New Orleans), would establish new state-level protections to safeguard the right to vote. Advocates say the bill would stop voter suppression, prevent unfair voting maps, and increase transparency in Louisiana's elections. Over 300 people from across the state gathered at the Louisiana State Capitol to meet with lawmakers and push for the bill's passage.

  • The press conference was held on Wednesday, March 19, 2026 at 11 a.m. on the Louisiana State Capitol lawn.
  • The proposed Louisiana Voting Rights Act is currently under consideration by the state legislature.

The players

Power Coalition for Equity and Justice

A nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that works to build power in marginalized communities and advocates for progressive policies in Louisiana.

State Sen. Royce Duplessis

The Democratic state senator from New Orleans who is the sponsor of the proposed Louisiana Voting Rights Act.

Ashley Shelton

The founder and CEO of the Power Coalition for Equity and Justice.

ACLU of Louisiana

The Louisiana chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union, a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that defends civil rights and liberties.

Black Voters Matter Fund

A national civic engagement organization that works to increase power in Black communities.

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What they’re saying

“We're here today because democracy is not self-executed. It must be protected. It takes action. And the right to vote, as it was said earlier, is not just another right. It's a right that protects other rights, and in Louisiana, know this truth with access to the ballot is threatened, our communities are the ones who feel it first.”

— State Sen. Royce Duplessis, Bill Sponsor

“A State Voting Rights Act is how Louisiana decides whether we are a democracy for everyone, or only for a few. At a time when federal protections are under threat, states have a responsibility to step up and protect the fundamental rights of their citizens. Louisiana has the opportunity to lead by ensuring that every voter, especially those historically excluded, has a fair chance to participate and be represented.”

— Ashley Shelton, Founder and CEO, Power Coalition for Equity and Justice

What’s next

The proposed Louisiana Voting Rights Act is currently under consideration by the state legislature. If passed, the bill would establish new state-level protections to safeguard voting rights and prevent voter suppression.

The takeaway

As federal voting rights protections face uncertainty, the proposed Louisiana Voting Rights Act represents a state-level effort to shore up ballot access and ensure fair, representative elections for all of Louisiana's citizens, especially those in historically marginalized communities.