Senate Bill No. 248, introduced by Senator Miller, amends existing laws regarding polling places in Louisiana. The bill specifies that a polling place for a precinct is not required to be opened if there are fewer than twenty eligible voters for any office or proposition on the ballot, provided that there is an alternative polling place available for the remaining eligible voters within the same location. Additionally, the bill introduces a new provision stating that a polling place may also remain closed if, after the close of early voting, it is determined that all eligible voters in the precinct have already voted absentee by mail or during early voting.

The bill amends the introductory paragraph of R.S. 18:531.1(A) and R.S. 18:531.1(A)(2), while also enacting R.S. 18:531.1(A)(3). The changes aim to streamline the voting process and reduce unnecessary polling place openings in areas with very few voters. The effective date for these changes is set for August 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
SB248 Original: 18:1(A), 18:1(A)(2)
SB248 Engrossed: 18:1(A), 18:1(A)(2)