Louisiana § RS 18:1316 - Rejection of ballot having distinguishing marks
Full text of Louisiana Louisiana Civil Code § RS 18:1316 — Rejection of ballot having distinguishing marks, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ RS 18:1316. Rejection of ballot having distinguishing marks
A. Any ballot with a distinguishing mark or feature making the ballot susceptible of identification shall be rejected if at least a majority of the members of the board determine that the distinguishing mark was made by action of the voter. The marking of the ballot by the voter in such manner that a portion of an authorized mark to indicate a vote inadvertently extends outside the box in which it is to be placed shall not be sufficient cause to reject the ballot. Any ballot containing a combination of authorized marks and any ballot marked by a mark or an instrument other than as instructed on the ballot shall be considered as susceptible of identification and shall be rejected by the board.
B. A ballot transmitted by facsimile shall not be considered as having distinguishing marks.
C. A ballot transmitted electronically to a member of the United States Service, as defined in R.S. 18:1302, or a person residing outside the United States shall not be considered as having distinguishing marks.
Acts 1976, No. 697, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978. Amended by Acts 1980, No. 506, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1981; Acts 1982, No. 166, §1, eff. July 14, 1982; Acts 1985, No. 755, §1; Acts 1992, No. 438, §1, eff. June 20, 1992; Acts 2010, No. 624, §1, eff. June 25, 2010.
Source: official Louisiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana § RS 18:1316
What does Louisiana Civil Code § RS 18:1316 cover?
Section RS 18:1316 ("Rejection of ballot having distinguishing marks") 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 18:1316?
A common citation format is "Louisiana Civil Code § RS 18:1316" (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 18:1316 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.