Louisiana § RS 18:531.1 - Exception to opening polls; alternative voting locations
Full text of Louisiana Louisiana Civil Code § RS 18:531.1 — Exception to opening polls; alternative voting locations, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ RS 18:531.1. Exception to opening polls; alternative voting locations
A. Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, the polling place for a particular precinct shall not be required to be opened in either of the following circumstances:
(1) When it is determined by the registrar of voters that there are no voters eligible to vote in the voting district in the precinct for any office or proposition on the ballot.
(2) When it is determined by the registrar of voters after the close of early voting, that all voters eligible to vote in the precinct have voted absentee by mail or during early voting.
B. The registrar of voters shall notify the secretary of state and the other members of the parish board of election supervisors of all such determinations.
C. Whenever the polling place for a precinct to which a voter is assigned is not opened pursuant to the provisions of Subsection A of this Section and it is subsequently determined on election day that a voter is eligible to vote and has not voted absentee by mail or during early voting, the voter may cast his vote at the polling place nearest the precinct at which he is registered, provided such polling place has the ballot for which he is eligible to vote on a voting machine. The registrar of voters shall authorize a commissioner at the nearest polling place to allow the voter to vote after the voter completes and signs the affidavit of voter form. If no such polling place is available, the voter may cast his vote by paper ballot in the office of the registrar of voters or at a location designated by the registrar.
Acts 2002, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 130, §1, eff. April 23, 2002; Acts 2005, No. 220, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2006; Acts 2014, No. 60, §1, eff. May 16, 2014.
Source: official Louisiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana § RS 18:531.1
What does Louisiana Civil Code § RS 18:531.1 cover?
Section RS 18:531.1 ("Exception to opening polls; alternative voting locations") 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 18:531.1?
A common citation format is "Louisiana Civil Code § RS 18:531.1" (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 18:531.1 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.