House Bill No. [insert number] proposes to amend Louisiana's election laws to allow citizens who are at least seventeen years old to register and vote in state and local elections. The bill modifies existing legal language by changing the age requirement from eighteen to seventeen for eligibility to vote in these elections. It also clarifies that individuals under the age of seventeen are not permitted to vote in any state or local elections, while maintaining the prohibition on those under eighteen voting in national elections. Additionally, the bill removes certain provisions that previously allowed seventeen-year-olds to register to vote prior to turning eighteen.
The bill further updates the qualifications for serving as a commissioner or alternate commissioner in elections, allowing individuals who are at least seventeen years old and not registered voters to serve, provided they meet specific educational criteria. It also modifies the voter registration process at driver's license facilities to include applicants who are seventeen years old. Furthermore, the bill removes the protection of voter registration applications for seventeen-year-olds from disclosure, thereby making this information accessible. The proposed changes aim to enhance youth participation in the electoral process while ensuring compliance with existing election laws.
Statutes affected: HB582 Original: 18:101(A), 18:114(B)(1), 18:154(C)(1), 18:425(B)(5), 18:426(A)(4)