NEW ORLEANS — The early voting period for Louisiana's October Gubernatorial Primary Election opened Saturday, Sept. 28.
Voters across the state can cast their ballots early by visiting their parish's Registrar of Voters Office or other designated areas from 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. through Oct. 5, except for Sunday (Sept. 29).
You do not need a reason to vote early. With several college football games falling on Election Day, candidates are encouraging people to cast their votes early. The secretary of state's office has more information online for voters to see what's on their personal ballots.
Voters will decide several key statewide races including who will become Louisiana's next governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, treasurer, attorney general, insurance commissioner and more.
State legislative seats and seats on the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education are also on the ballot. There are also four Louisiana constitutional amendments that will appear on all ballots.
In Jefferson Parish, there is a hotly-contested race for parish president and races for sheriff and parish council.
There are also races in St. Tammany Parish for parish president, sheriff and council.
There are also parish president races in St. Charles, St. John, St. Tammany, Washington, Lafourche and Terrebonne Parishes along with council races in many of those parishes. There are also sheriff races in several parishes, including Plaquemines, Tangipahoa, Washington, Lafourche and Terrebonne.
To view your sample ballot, Election Day polling location or need help to vote early, visit the Louisiana Secretary of State's website.
In any race where no candidate tops 50% of the vote, the top two vote-getters will face each other in a Nov. 16 runoff.
What Do I Need to Bring To Vote?
When you go to cast your vote early, you will have to provide a photo ID or sign a voter affidavit. A driver's license, Louisiana Special ID, LA Wallet digital driver's license or other generally recognized picture ID that has your name and signature can be used for identification.
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The Associated Press contributed to this report.