If you want to help people register to vote in Louisiana, you are now required in many cases to tell the secretary of state's office before you do so.
Beginning Aug. 1, individuals or organizations that want to hold a voter registration drive must register beforehand with the secretary of state.
However, those conducting a voter registration drive entirely online via GeauxVote.com are not required to register. You are also not required to register if you want to help immediate family members sign up to vote.
For all others conducting registration drives, the secretary of state this week posted guidance on its website at sos.la.gov. Here's what to know about the new rules.
You can register with either the SOS or your parish registrar of voters.
The Louisiana secretary of state is located at 8585 Archives Avenue in Baton Rouge. The phone number there is 800-883-2805.
There is a list of local voter registrar offices in each parish online at VoterPortal.sos.la.gov/Registrar. You can register in person or by email.
To register, fill out this form.
The Voter Registration Drive Contact Form has fields for basic contact information such as name, address, email and the parish where the voter registration drive will be located. It also has a field to list the number of voter registration applications being requested. Return completed voter drive registration forms in person to the secretary of state or local registrar of voters, or by email to outreach@sos.la.gov.
After you're signed up, here's what to know.
A new packet of information detailing voter application requirements, registration procedures and applicable laws is available at the secretary of state's office or online.
Those conducting voter registration drives must submit any completed voter registration applications they get within 30 days of receipt, or by the close of registration for the next election, whichever happens first.
Completed forms must be turned into the registrar of voters in the parish where the applicant resides.