Senate Bill No. 248, introduced by Senator Miller, amends existing laws regarding polling places in Louisiana. The bill specifies that a polling place is not required to be opened if there are fewer than twenty eligible voters in a precinct 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 aims to streamline the voting process by consolidating precincts with low voter turnout, thereby reducing the need for opening multiple polling places when it may not be necessary. The changes will take effect on February 1, 2027, and are intended to enhance the efficiency of the electoral process in Louisiana.

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