Louisiana Voter ID Rules Could be Changing

Louisiana voters could soon see stricter identification rules at the polls if Senate Bill 319 becomes law. Right now, the Louisiana Secretary of State says voters can cast a ballot by showing photo identification or by completing a voter identification affidavit if they do not have photo ID. Senate Bill 319, filed by Sen. Thomas Pressly, would remove that affidavit option and replace it with a more document-heavy process.  

What would Change for Louisiana voters? 

Under the current system, a voter can show a Louisiana driver’s license, Louisiana special ID, U.S. military ID, or another generally recognized photo ID with a name and signature. If the voter does not have that, they can still vote after signing an affidavit. 

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SB 319 would tighten that process. The bill says voters without one of the accepted photo IDs would need to present either two primary documents or one primary and one secondary document.

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Primary documents listed in the bill include items such as a certified birth certificate, Social Security card, passport card, certain tribal identification, or a U.S. Veteran Health Identification card.

Secondary documents listed include a voter registration certificate, a utility bill, a bank statement, a government check or document, or a paycheck or pay stub, generally not older than 12 months. 

Senator Pressly trying to Strengthen Louisiana Voter ID

Pressly said the goal is to close what he called a loophole in Louisiana’s voter ID rules and strengthen election integrity. He said voters should be required to show stronger proof of identity instead of simply signing an affidavit. He also said the proposal is meant to create more uniform standards at polling places. 

Voter ID Law Changes Could be in Place by Fall Elections

Pressly said he believed the change could be in place for the fall election if passed. But the filed bill text and legislative digest list an effective date of August 1, 2026, meaning the exact timing would depend on how quickly the bill moves and whether it is signed into law. 

For now, nothing has changed for voters. Louisiana residents can still vote under the current rules until lawmakers approve a new law and it takes effect.