Your Vote, Your Power: Louisiana’s May 16 Primary Demands a Choice — and a Plan
The people elected in this primary will shape everyday life — from the classroom to the courtroom to your monthly bills.
BATON ROUGE, La. — Louisiana is heading into a major election on May 16, 2026, and one message is clear: your vote only counts if you show up prepared.
This isn’t just another election. It’s a Party Primary and Municipal Primary, and that means you must choose a political party before you vote. No party, no ballot. That decision determines which candidates you get to vote for — and who moves forward to represent your community.
WHY THIS MATTERS
The people elected in this primary will shape everyday life — from the classroom to the courtroom to your monthly bills.
Voters will decide races for:
- U.S. Senate
- U.S. House of Representatives
- Louisiana Supreme Court
- Education Board (BESE)
- Public Service Commission
- Local city and parish offices
These leaders make decisions about schools, justice, utilities, and resources. In other words, they make decisions about your life.
DON’T MISS THESE DEADLINES
If you’re not registered, or if you wait too late, you lose your chance — it’s that simple.
- Register to vote (in person/mail): April 15
- Register online: April 25
- Early voting: May 2 – May 9 (8:30 a.m. – 6 p.m.)
- Absentee ballot request deadline: May 12
- Absentee ballot return deadline: May 15
- Election Day: May 16 (7 a.m. – 8 p.m.)
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Louisiana now runs on a closed primary system. That means:
- You must pick a party
- You can only vote in that party’s primary
- You cannot switch between parties on the same ballot
This is where strategy meets responsibility. Your choice shapes the outcome.
OUR COMMUNITY, OUR POWER
Elections like this often don’t get the spotlight — but they should. These races decide where money goes, how laws are enforced, and whether communities are heard or ignored.
When turnout is low, others make decisions for us.
When turnout is strong, we shape the future.
NEED HELP?
Call the Elections Hotline: 1-800-883-2805
Stay informed through the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus:
https://lablackcaucus.org
THE BOTTOM LINE
May 16 is more than an election — it’s a moment of choice.
Pick your party. Make your plan. Show up and vote.
Because when we vote, we don’t just participate — we lead.
