Louisiana § RS 18:401 - Purpose and nature of primary and general elections
Full text of Louisiana Louisiana Civil Code § RS 18:401 — Purpose and nature of primary and general elections, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ RS 18:401. Purpose and nature of primary and general elections
A. Purpose. Primary and general elections are held to elect persons to Congress and to all the elective offices in this state, except the office of presidential elector.
B. Nature of primary elections. (1) Except for the election of persons to a party primary office in a party primary election, all qualified voters of this state may vote on candidates for public office in primary elections without regard to the voter's party affiliation or lack of it, and all candidates for public office who qualify for a primary may be voted on without regard to the candidate's party affiliation or lack of it.
(2) Nature of party primary elections. The nature of party primary elections shall be as provided in Part I-A of this Chapter.
C. Nature of general elections. All qualified voters of this state may vote on candidates for public office in general elections without regard to the voter's party affiliation or lack of it, and all candidates for public office who qualify for a general election may be voted on without regard to the candidate's party affiliation or lack of it.
Acts 1976, No. 697, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978; Acts 2006, No. 560, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2007; Acts 2010, No. 570, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2011; Acts 2024, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 1, §1, eff. See Act; Acts 2024, No. 640, §2, eff. See Act; Acts 2025, No. 386, §§ 3, 7, eff. June 20, 2025.
Source: official Louisiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana § RS 18:401
What does Louisiana Civil Code § RS 18:401 cover?
Section RS 18:401 ("Purpose and nature of primary and general elections") 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 18:401?
A common citation format is "Louisiana Civil Code § RS 18:401" (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 18:401 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.