Louisiana § RS 18:1279 - Vacancies; representatives in congress
Full text of Louisiana Louisiana Civil Code § RS 18:1279 — Vacancies; representatives in congress, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ RS 18:1279. Vacancies; representatives in congress
When a vacancy occurs in the office of representative in congress, the governor shall determine the dates on which the special elections shall be held and the dates of the qualifying period in accordance with R.S. 18:402 and shall issue a proclamation ordering a special election and specifying the dates on which the first party primary, second primary, if necessary, and general elections will be held and the dates of the qualifying period for the election. Within twenty-four hours after issuing the proclamation, the governor shall send a copy of the proclamation to the secretary of state, who shall within twenty-four hours of receipt of the information notify all election officials having any duty to perform in connection with a special election to fill such vacancy, including the parish boards of election supervisors for the parish or parishes in which the vacancy occurred. Immediately thereafter the secretary of state shall publish the proclamation in the official journal of each parish in which the election is to be held. The election shall be conducted in the same manner and at the same places and the returns shall be certified as in regular congressional elections. If at a primary or general election in a congressional district one representative in congress is to be elected for a full term and another to fill a vacancy, the ballots containing the names of the candidates shall, as a part of the title of the office, designate the term for which the candidates are respectively nominated.
Acts 1976, No. 697, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978. Amended by Acts 1977, No. 545, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978; Acts 1980, No. 792, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1981; Acts 1981, No. 76, §1, eff. June 26, 1981; Acts 1997, No. 1420, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1998; Acts 2006, No. 560, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2007; Acts 2007, No. 240, §1; Acts 2010, No. 570, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2011; Acts 2022, No. 274, §1, eff. June 3, 2022; Acts 2025, No. 386, §2, eff. See Act.
Source: official Louisiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana § RS 18:1279
What does Louisiana Civil Code § RS 18:1279 cover?
Section RS 18:1279 ("Vacancies; representatives in congress") is part of the Louisiana Civil Code, the codified statutory law of Louisiana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Louisiana § RS 18:1279?
A common citation format is "Louisiana Civil Code § RS 18:1279" (Louisiana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Louisiana law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Louisiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Louisiana attorney.
How does Louisiana § RS 18:1279 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Louisiana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Louisiana.