Louisiana voters can still cast ballots in the state’s May 16, 2026, closed-party primary election, with early voting set to begin Saturday, May 2. But state officials say one major part of the ballot — races for the U.S. House of Representatives — has been suspended following a new U.S. Supreme Court ruling on Louisiana’s congressional map.

Gov. Jeff Landry issued an executive order suspending the closed-party primary elections only for U.S. Representative after the court’s decision in Louisiana v. Callais, which struck down the state’s congressional district map. Landry said holding elections under a map found unconstitutional would undermine the integrity of the process and that the pause is intended to give the Legislature time to pass a new congressional map.

Secretary of State Nancy Landry said Thursday that voting on May 16 will proceed as scheduled for all other contests and for constitutional amendments. However, she said notices will be posted at early voting locations to alert voters that while U.S. House races may still appear on ballots, any votes cast in those contests will not be counted.

Early voting runs May 2 through May 9 (excluding Sunday, May 3). Registrars of voters open early voting from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day of the early voting period. Early voting for Red River Parish will be at the Registrar of Voters’ office on Front Street in Coushatta.

Election Day voting on May 16 will also continue for the remaining races, in addition to the constitutional amendments.

The May 16 election is part of Louisiana’s closed-party primary schedule, meaning party affiliation can determine which candidates a voter may select in certain contests. State election officials are urging voters to verify their registration information, including party status, before heading to the polls.
When voting early, voters are asked to identify themselves using a photo ID or by signing a voter affidavit, according to the Louisiana Secretary of State.

A three-judge federal panel has also given the state time to draw a new map consistent with the Supreme Court’s ruling, adding urgency to the redistricting process and raising concerns from some Democrats that the late change could confuse voters. Election officials say posted notices at early voting sites are intended to reduce that confusion as voters head to the polls.