The special elections for Louisiana’s first and sixth congressional races will feature a new election format. All future federal races will also follow this template.On March 8, closed primaries will take place where all Republicans run together and all Democrats run together. If no candidate in these two party primaries receives 50.1% of the vote, then a runoff between the top two candidates in each party will take place on April 5. If no runoff is needed in both primaries (Republican or Democratic Primary), then the general election will be held on April 5 where the Democratic candidate primary winner faces the Republican primary winner along with all other recognized party candidates in a general election to determine the final winner.
The General election will occur on May 3 only if one or both of the party primaries requires a runoff which would take place on April 5th.
WHO CAN VOTE IN WHICH PRIMARIES:
Only the Democratic and Republican Parties have more than one candidate that has qualified for the races, therefore requiring a closed primary for these races. You may vote in the Democratic Primary if you are a registered Democrat or an unaffiliated voter (not recognized party or no party). You may vote in the Republican Primary if you are a registered Republican only. All registered voters may participate in the general election, which will occur after the closed primaries for the Republican and Democratic parties are settled.
RECAP OF ELECTION DATES:
March 8: Republican & Democratic closed primaries
April 5: Runoffs for closed primaries if needed, or general election if runoffs are not necessary
May 3: General election if runoffs occur on April 5
