Lafayette, LA (May 5, 2026) – Early voting is underway across Louisiana, including in Lafayette Parish, for the May 16 primary election.
This election marks Louisiana’s use of a closed-party primary system for certain offices.
Early Voting Dates and Times
Early voting is scheduled for:
- May 2 through May 9, 2026
- 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Closed Sunday
Election Day is Saturday, May 16, 2026.
If no candidate receives the required majority of votes in a race, a runoff election will be held June 20, 2026.
Early Voting Locations in Lafayette Parish
Early voting is available at the following locations:
- Registrar of Voters Office, 1010 Lafayette Street
- Martin Luther King Recreation Center, 309 Cora Street
- East Regional Library, 215 La Neuville Road, Youngsville
What Is on the Ballot
The May 16 primary election includes:
- United States Senate race
- Other local and statewide races
- Five proposed amendments to the Louisiana Constitution
Voters can review the full text and explanations of the amendments here:
Proposed Constitutional Amendments (May 2026): https://www.sos.la.gov/ElectionsAndVoting/PublishedDocuments/ProposedConstitutionalAmendments2026May.pdf
Closed-Party Primary System in Effect
Louisiana is using a closed-party primary system for certain offices.
Under this system:
- Voters receive a ballot based on their registered party affiliation
- Party members vote for candidates within their own party
- Voters with no party affiliation may choose a party ballot but must remain with that party for any runoff
This system applies to certain offices, including:
- United States Senate
- United States House of Representatives
- Louisiana Supreme Court
- Public Service Commission
- Board of Elementary and Secondary Education
Other races continue under Louisiana’s traditional election system.
U.S. House Primary Suspended
The primary election for the United States House of Representatives has been suspended.
Jeff Landry issued an executive order suspending only the U.S. House primary elections following a ruling that Louisiana’s current U.S. House district map is unconstitutional.
According to the governor’s office, the suspension allows time for the state to address the district boundaries before holding the election.
The suspension applies only to U.S. House races. All other races on the ballot remain in effect.
More information is available from the governor’s office here:
https://gov.louisiana.gov/news/5093
Ballots and Voting
U.S. House candidates may still appear on printed ballots; however:
- Votes cast in those races are not being counted at this time
- All other races and ballot items remain valid
What Voters Should Know
- Early voting continues through May 9
- A valid photo identification is required to vote
- Election Day is May 16
- Runoff election date, if required, is June 20
