Louisiana Voters Face Ten Constitutional Amendments, A Senate Race And An Open House Primary On November 3

The Louisiana ballot on Tuesday, November 3, includes a U.S. Senate seat, all six U.S. House seats and ten proposed changes to the state constitution, WAFB reported. Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Early voting ran from October 20 to October 27, with no voting on Sunday, October 25.

In the Senate race, Republican Rep. Julia Letlow faces Democrat Jamie Davis for the seat held by Sen. Bill Cassidy, who lost his party’s primary earlier this year. The winner serves a six year term.

The House races use an open primary on November 3, meaning candidates appear together on one ballot. If no candidate gets more than 50 percent, the top two advance to a runoff on December 12.

Each of the ten amendments on the Louisiana ballot needs statewide approval to take effect. Amendment 1 lets certain surviving spouses of disabled veterans transfer an extra property tax exemption to a new home one time. Amendment 2 changes how local taxing authorities adjust millage rates, the rates used to calculate property taxes, after property is reassessed. Amendment 3 bars post conviction bail for people convicted of aggravated offenses against minor children. Amendment 4 limits governors to two lifetime terms. Amendment 5 changes the rules for using nonrecurring state money to pay down retirement system debt.

Amendment 6 adds property tax exemptions for qualifying homeowners age 65 and older. Amendment 7 allows public funds to replace certain hazardous drinking water service lines on private property. Amendment 8 bars certain foreign adversaries from using eminent domain, the government power to take private property. Amendment 9 raises the income limit for a special property tax assessment freeze. Amendment 10 authorizes a property tax exemption for qualifying rehabilitated blighted or derelict property.

Some voters will also choose members of the Public Service Commission, which regulates utilities, and the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, which oversees public education. Because the Louisiana ballot varies by parish, ward and precinct, voters can use the Louisiana secretary of state’s office sample ballot tool to see the races for a specific address, and confirm voting rules with that office or their parish registrar of voters.

Dee Dee Henderson

Dee Dee Henderson is a Poli Alert journalist covering national politics, elections and the policies that hit closest to home for Black communities, from voting rights and the economy to the courts. She reports the facts first and isn't afraid to say what they mean, and her commentary pieces are clearly labeled as opinion. Her midterm coverage breaks down deadlines, ballot measures and the races that will decide who holds power in Washington.

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