As the 2024 election season approaches, it’s important for students to prepare and stay informed about how, when and where to vote. Whether you’re a Louisiana resident or an out-of-state student, here’s everything you need to know to make sure your voice is heard this election.
For Louisiana voters, key races include gubernatorial and municipal elections, as well as some judicial races. Baton Rouge residents will be voting for mayor and Metropolitan Council seats.
“You can check your voter registration and see exactly what you have to vote for by using the GeauxVote app or the secretary of state’s website,” said Melissa Flournoy, a political science professor at LSU and former Louisiana House Representative.
Flournoy emphasizes that Louisiana students can register using either their permanent address or their school address in Baton Rouge.
“They have the option to register to vote here in Louisiana, using their student address, wherever they live in Baton Rouge,” Flournoy said.
Though the deadline to register to vote in person passed this week, students voting in Louisiana can still register to vote online by Oct. 15.
Out-of-state students should look up absentee voting options for their home states. To see these options and request an absentee ballot, Flournoy says these students should check with their secretary of state or commissioner of elections. Out-of-state students who wish to vote absentee should start the process early by checking absentee voting requirements for their home states.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5, but Flournoy encourages students to consider voting early, which runs from Oct. 18 to Oct. 29, and includes two Saturdays. “If you don’t want to miss a day of school, schedule your trip to early vote in your home parish,” she suggests. This way, you can avoid Election Day crowds and ensure you don’t miss out if something unexpected comes up.
Flournoy urges students to do their homework on candidates and issues. Doing research ahead of time ensures that when it’s time to vote, students are ready to make informed choices.
“The best way to be informed is to follow reputable news sources, check out the candidates’ websites and think about your personal priorities,” she says.
To vote in person on Election Day, students must bring one of the following to the polls: a driver’s license, a Louisiana Special ID, an LA Wallet digital driver’s license, an United States military identification card that contains your name and picture or some other generally recognized picture ID that contains your name and signature. Students can find their polling locations by accessing their voter portal.
Whether you’re a first-time voter or a seasoned one, Flournoy underscores the importance of participating in elections.
“I really want to encourage everybody who is eligible to vote, because the act of protecting democracy by voting is very important,” she says. “It’s important to create a habit of voting.”
By registering, staying informed, and casting your ballot – whether, early, absentee or on Election Day – you’re contributing to the democratic process and making sure your voice is heard.
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