Louisiana § RS 18:565 - Challenge of voters

Full text of Louisiana Louisiana Civil Code § RS 18:565 — Challenge of voters, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ RS 18:565. Challenge of voters

            A. Grounds for challenge. A commissioner, watcher, or qualified voter may challenge a person applying to vote in a primary or general election on the ground that:

            (1) The applicant is not qualified to vote in the election,

            (2) The applicant is not qualified to vote in the precinct, or

            (3) The applicant is not the person whose name is shown on the precinct register.

            B. Disposition of record of challenge and address confirmation notice. The original record of the challenge, signed by the challenger, and the address confirmation notice shall be placed in the envelope marked "Registrar of Voters". A duplicate record of the challenge shall be placed in the clear plastic zipper bag and returned to the clerk of court on election night. A duplicate record of the challenge shall be given to the voter being challenged.

            C. Disposition of the challenge. The commissioners present shall determine the validity of the challenge. If they determine by majority vote that the challenge is valid, the applicant shall not be permitted to vote. However, if the valid challenge has determined that the applicant has moved within the parish or has moved outside of the parish within the last three months, the voter shall be allowed to vote upon completing an address confirmation notice. If a majority of the commissioners determine that the challenge is invalid, the applicant shall be permitted to vote.

            Acts 1976, No. 697, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978. Amended by Acts 1977, No. 523, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978; Acts 1989, No. 179, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1990; Acts 1993, No. 418, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1994; Acts 1994, 3rd Ex. Sess., No. 10, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1995; Acts 2001, No. 1181, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2002; Acts 2019, No. 374, §1, eff. June 19, 2019; Acts 2023, No. 91, §1, eff. June 6, 2023.

Source: official Louisiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana § RS 18:565

What does Louisiana Civil Code § RS 18:565 cover?

Section RS 18:565 ("Challenge of voters") 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 18:565?

A common citation format is "Louisiana Civil Code § RS 18:565" (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 18:565 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.