Signed by Governor Bobby Jindal

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that amends Louisiana election laws by establishing an open primary system of elections for congressional offices.

Highlights:

• Repeals the provision that recognized political parties make all nominations of candidates by direct primary elections (Sec. 1).

• Repeals the provision that in primary elections voters may vote only on the candidates for public office who are affiliated with the same political party as themselves (Sec.1).

• Requires primary elections for members of congress and officers elected at the same time as members of congress to be held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of an election year (Sec. 1).

• Requires general elections for members of congress and officers elected at the same time as members of congress to be held on the first Saturday in December of an election year (Sec. 1).

• Requires a special primary election to be held on either the second to last Saturday in October, when the special general election is held on the fourth Saturday after the second to last Saturday in October, or the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November when the special general election is held on the first Saturday in December (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text