State Summary

In 2022, Louisiana lawmakers passed HB 924 requiring post-election tabulation audits of paper ballots. However, the implementation of HB 924 is dependent upon the state’s acquisition of new voting equipment capable of producing a voter-verified paper record, which has been delayed. Therefore, while Louisiana’s statute requires a post-election tabulation audit, in practice, such an audit is not yet possible and no protocol outlining the parameters and methodology of the audit is available.

Voting Systems Used

Louisiana uses paperless pushbutton direct recording electronic (DRE) voting machines statewide on Election Day and paperless touchscreen DREs statewide for early voting. However, in 2021, the legislature passed SB 221, establishing a Voting System Commission with a mandate to recommend a new voting system that produces an “auditable voter-verified paper record.” For the most up to date information please visit Verified Voting’s Verifier.

For an explanation on the types of voting equipment used, click here.

Audit Comprehensiveness

Louisiana statute requires a post-election tabulation audit of paper ballots. However, the state’s current equipment makes a paper-based audit infeasible.

Transparency

Louisiana statute requires a post-election tabulation audit of paper ballots. However, the state’s current equipment makes a paper-based audit infeasible.

Audit Counting Method

Louisiana statute requires a post-election tabulation audit of paper ballots. However, the state’s current equipment makes a paper-based audit infeasible.

Type Of Audit Units

Louisiana statute requires a post-election tabulation audit of paper ballots. However, the state’s current equipment makes a paper-based audit infeasible.

Contests & Issues Audited

Louisiana statute requires a post-election tabulation audit of paper ballots. However, the state’s current equipment makes a paper-based audit infeasible.

Addressing Discrepancies

Louisiana statute requires a post-election tabulation audit of paper ballots. However, the state’s current equipment makes a paper-based audit infeasible.

For recount laws, see the Recount Law Database.

Timeline

Louisiana statute requires a post-election tabulation audit of paper ballots. However, the state’s current equipment makes a paper-based audit infeasible.

Binding On Official Outcomes

Louisiana statute requires a post-election tabulation audit of paper ballots. However, the state’s current equipment makes a paper-based audit infeasible.

Oversight & Conduct

Louisiana statute requires a post-election tabulation audit of paper ballots. However, the state’s current equipment makes a paper-based audit infeasible.

Ballot Protection

Voting machines are locked at the conclusion of voting until the third day after the election, when the parish’s clerk of court, supervised by the parish board of elections, opens machines and verifies election night results. For more information see LA Rev. Stat. § 18:573, and LA Rev. Stat. § 18:571.

Additional Targeted Samples

Louisiana statute requires a post-election tabulation audit of paper ballots. However, the state’s current equipment makes a paper-based audit infeasible.

Resources

Post-election audit: LA Rev. Stat. § 18:1353

Voting system: LA Rev. Stat. § 18:1362.1(H)

Ballot protection: LA Rev. Stat. § 18:573, LA Rev. Stat. § 18:571

Updated: 8/16/2024