Louisiana Voters Urged to Check Inactive Voter Status Ahead of Senate Election

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Louisiana residents are being encouraged to check if they have been placed on the state's inactive voter list ahead of the upcoming U.S. Senate election, as this could impact their ability to vote in the state's new closed primary system. Around 500,000 voters are reportedly on the inactive list, which can happen if a voter's registration address was not verifiable or if correspondence was returned undeliverable. Voters can check their status online and update their information if needed to ensure they are able to participate in the election.

Why it matters

With a U.S. Senate seat up for election in Louisiana and the state implementing closed primaries for the first time, it's critical that voters ensure their voter registration is up to date. Being on the inactive voter list could prevent some residents from receiving a ballot or require additional steps to vote, potentially disenfranchising a significant number of Louisianans.

The details

Louisiana is holding a closed primary election this year for the U.S. Senate seat, meaning voters will only receive ballots for their registered party affiliation. Residents can check if they are on the state's inactive voter list by searching online through the Louisiana Secretary of State's website. If a voter's address has changed since they last registered, they will need to update their residential address on their registration record, which can be done by mail or in person at their parish registrar of voters. Even if a voter's address has not changed but they are on the inactive list, they will still be eligible to vote but will need to confirm their address at their polling place.

• The U.S. Senate election in Louisiana is scheduled for later this year.
• Louisiana is implementing closed primaries for the first time in 2026.

What’s next

Voters on the inactive list who have moved to a different address within the same parish can vote upon completion of an address confirmation at their polling place. Those who have moved to a different parish may vote if they return to the polling place of their previous address and confirm the move was within the last three months.