Beginning in 2026, a new closed party primary system will take effect in Louisiana for certain state and federal races, and the Livingston Parish Clerk of Court’s Office is working to help voters understand what that means.
Elections Director Laura Macias with the Livingston Parish Clerk of Court said the changes are significant, but only apply to a limited number of elections. The new system divides the primary ballot by party for select offices, meaning only voters registered with that political party or those who opt in can cast a vote in those races.
The new closed primary system will apply only to the following offices:
U.S. Senate – beginning in 2026
U.S. House of Representatives – beginning in 2026
Public Service Commission – beginning in 2026
Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) – beginning in 2027
Louisiana Supreme Court – beginning in 2028
All other elections, including local races and most state offices, will remain under the open primary system, where all candidates appear on one ballot regardless of party affiliation.
Only registered Democrats can vote in the Democratic primary.
Only registered Republicans can vote in the Republican primary.
Voters registered as No Party may choose to participate in either the Democratic or Republican primary, but must complete a Declaration of Ballot Choice form before voting.
After completing the form and selecting a party, they will receive that party’s ballot.
As of August 1, 2025, all voters previously registered with the Independent Party have been reclassified as No Party under the new system.
(as of August 1, 2025):
Total registered voters: 88,079
Republican: 47,447
Democratic: 15,721
No Party: 24,935
Libertarian: 692
Green: 73
Other: 190
For more information about how the new system may affect your ability to vote in upcoming elections, contact the Livingston Parish Clerk of Court’s Office or visit the Secretary of State’s website.
