Coushatta, La. — Voters across Louisiana will encounter a change at the polls when they participate in the statewide election scheduled for May 16, 2026.

Beginning with this election, several races will use a closed-party primary system, a change approved last year by the Louisiana Legislature. The updated process affects races for the United States Senate, United States House of Representatives, the Louisiana Supreme Court, the Louisiana State Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE), and the Louisiana Public Service Commission.

Under the new system, voters will only be able to participate in the primary election of their registered political party for these offices.

Registered Democrats may vote only in the Democratic primary.

Registered Republicans may vote only in the Republican primary.

Voters registered as “No Party” may choose either the Democratic or Republican primary when they arrive at the polls.

Election officials say this change could cause some confusion for voters who are accustomed to Louisiana’s traditional “open primary” system.

Officials also emphasize that choosing a party primary at the polling location does not change a voter’s registration status. A voter registered as “No Party” who selects either primary will remain registered as “No Party” after voting.

State election officials encourage voters to familiarize themselves with the new process before heading to the polls. A simple guide to remember is K.N.O.W.

K – Keep your voter registration current.

N – Not everyone will vote on every race.

O -Offices affected: U.S. House and Senate, Louisiana Supreme Court, Public Service Commission, and BESE.

W – Where to find more information: GeauxVote Online Registration System at GeauxVote.com.

Voters planning to participate in the May election should also be aware of upcoming registration deadlines.

April 15 – Deadline to register to vote in person, by mail, or at an Office of Motor Vehicles location.

April 25 – Deadline to register online through the GeauxVote system.

The same deadlines apply for voters wishing to change their party affiliation before the election.

Local voter data shows the changes could impact many residents. In Red River Parish alone, more than 1,000 voters are registered as “No Party,” meaning they will be asked to choose which party’s primary they wish to participate in when they check in at the polls.

Election officials say informational posters explaining the new process will be displayed at all polling locations.

“The more our voters know, the smoother the election process will go,” officials said, encouraging residents to review their registration and learn what to expect before they “Geaux” to vote.

Residents are encouraged to watch these educational videos before voting.