Now is the Time to Register, Check Voter Status Ahead of Oct. 11 Primary

Danielle Coston
The New Orleans Tribune

With important local elections a little more than two months away and the future of New Orleans at stake, now is the time for residents to check their voter registration status and make sure they are ready to cast their ballots in the October 11 municipal primary. For residents who have moved, changed their name, or have not voted in a while, it is especially important to verify your voter status to make sure everything is up to date.

Residents have three ways to register to vote — online, in-person, and by mail — each with its own deadline.

The deadline to register in person at the Registrar of Voters Office is Sept. 10. Those who prefer to register by mail must ensure their application is postmarked by Sept. 10. For convenience, residents can also register online at www.geauxvote.com until Sept. 20

The deadline to request a mail-in ballot is Oct. 7 by 4:30 p.m. Mail-in ballots must be returned by Oct. 10, to be counted.

Voters are encouraged to verify their registration, polling location, and sample ballot information online through the GeauxVote portal or by contacting the Orleans Parish Registrar of Voters.

Early voting will take place from Sept. 27 - Oct. 4, daily (except Sundays) from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Early voting sites across the parish will be open to any registered voter wishing to cast their ballot ahead of Election Day.

Contests on the October ballot include Orleans Parish sheriff, clerk of criminal district court, and assessor, an open race for New Orleans mayor, and six of the seven seats on the New Orleans City Council, with potential runoffs scheduled for November.

Orleans Parish Clerk of Civil Court Chelsey Napoleon, Orleans Parish Coroner Dr. Dwight McKenna and District B City Councilwoman Leslie Harris were re-elected in uncontested races at the close of qualifying earlier this month.

For more information on voting or individual voter status, visit www.geauxvote.com or call the Orleans Parish Registrar of Voters.