Louisiana § RS 18:1431 - Fraudulent or illegal votes; uncounted votes; determination of election result
Full text of Louisiana Louisiana Civil Code § RS 18:1431 — Fraudulent or illegal votes; uncounted votes; determination of election result, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ RS 18:1431. Fraudulent or illegal votes; uncounted votes; determination of election result
When the court finds that one or more of the votes cast in a contested election are illegal or fraudulent, the judge shall subtract such vote or votes from the total votes cast for the candidate who received them if the contest involves election to office, from the total vote for or against a proposition if the contest is of an election upon a proposition, or from the total vote for or against the recall of a public officer if the contest involves an election for the recall of a public officer. If the court determines that legal votes cast in the election were excluded in the total votes cast on a candidate, proposition, or recall, then these excluded legal votes shall be added to the total votes on the candidate, proposition, or recall to which they are attributable. Thereafter, and after considering all the evidence, the court shall determine the result of the election.
Acts 1976, No. 697, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978; Acts 2012, No. 138, §1, eff. May 14, 2012.
Source: official Louisiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana § RS 18:1431
What does Louisiana Civil Code § RS 18:1431 cover?
Section RS 18:1431 ("Fraudulent or illegal votes; uncounted votes; determination of election result") 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 18:1431?
A common citation format is "Louisiana Civil Code § RS 18:1431" (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 18:1431 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.