Latest news with #NancyLandry
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Voting rights groups sue over proof of citizenship law in Louisiana
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Several voting rights groups in Louisiana are suing over a new law that requires people to show proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote. The lawsuit claims the law breaks the National Voter Registration Act. Senate Bill 436 went into effect on Jan. 1. It says that every voter registration application must include 'proof of United States citizenship.' Some organizations say the law doesn't clearly define what counts as proof of citizenship or how individuals should submit it. The plaintiffs, which include the League of Women Voters of Louisiana, NAACP Louisiana State Conference, Voice of the Experienced (VOTE), and the Power Coalition for Equity and Justice, argue that the law is unclear, unnecessary, and unfair. 'S.B. 436 was rushed through the Louisiana Legislature despite no evidence of alleged voting by ineligible noncitizens and Defendant Landry's own admission that the State has successfully relied on the attestation of the voter to confirm citizenship. Although it solves no problems, S.B. 436 creates many. S.B. 436's vague terms pose a threat to eligible voter registrants and those who assist them,' the lawsuit said. The plaintiffs say it makes it harder for many eligible voters to register. This includes young people, low-income voters, and those affected by the criminal justice system. They also said Louisiana has no real problem with non-citizen voting. Secretary of State Nancy Landry admitted during a hearing that the state doesn't have evidence of non-citizens voting. Baton Rouge anti-violence programs at risk of federal funding cuts The groups fear the law will disrupt voter registration efforts, especially at events or in jails where people often don't have documents with them. They say this might create big hurdles for voter registration, making groups spend resources on getting people the right documents instead of focusing on registration. 'The League needs to plan for voter registration activities well in advance—including allocating funds or other necessary resources, organizing and training volunteers, and purchasing or otherwise procuring voter registration equipment—and it is unable to make these key decisions when it does not know when or how Louisiana will implement or enforce S.B. 436,' the lawsuit said. They're asking a federal judge to block the law and declare it unconstitutional. So far, Louisiana officials have not responded to the lawsuit. The Secretary of State and other officials are named as defendants in the case. 01Download Social Security COLA increase in 2026 projected to be lowest in years, advocacy group says Louisiana OMV investigates Baton Rouge driving school Bad blood: Trump takes new swipe at Taylor Swift Voting rights groups sue over proof of citizenship law in Louisiana Louisiana law enforcement agencies searching for 10 Orleans Parish jail escapees Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Louisiana election-related bills for 2025 legislative session
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Louisiana Secretary of State Nancy Landry unveiled a package of bills that aim to protect voters and improve election integrity. While the state ranked second for election integrity, Landry said she wouldn't be satisfied until Louisiana gets the number one spot. 'This package of bills will move us even closer to that goal. I appreciate all of the legislators who have worked with us to bring this legislation for the upcoming regular session,' Landry said. The regular session begins Monday, April 14. Here's what to know about each of these election-related bills. Senate Bill 90: This would ban betting or wagering on elections in Louisiana. If passed, it would go into effect on Aug. 1, 2025. Senate Bill 109: This proposed constitutional amendment would ban foreign donations for candidates or ballot measures. If approved by lawmakers, the amendment would appear on the ballot in the Nov. 15 election. House Bill 206: This would require Louisiana lawmakers to approve consent decrees on election-related matters. House Bill 351: This would assess court costs and attorney fees for candidates who provide false information in a notice of candidacy. House Bill 590: This would ban the use of foreign funds for candidates and ballot propositions. Penalties proposed include a fine no more than twice the donation amount or five years in prison or both. House Bill 223: This would increase pay for election commissioners. Senate Concurrent Resolution: This would call for an election audit by the Louisiana Legislative Auditor every four years. Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry reveals insurance reform plan DOJ asks Supreme Court to intervene in independent agency firings Local group honors Black mothers who died during childbirth List: What stores, restaurants will close for Easter 2025? Landry tells teachers it's 'back to the drawing board' after pay raise plan fails Trump announces pause in tariffs; markets jump Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Louisiana climbs to 2nd place in the nation for election integrity
BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Louisiana has climbed to second place in the nation for election integrity, according to the Heritage Foundation's latest rankings. The state moved up from ninth place, Secretary of State Nancy Landry announced Monday. Scores are calculated from 12 categories, including ID use, absentee ballot management and vote counting practices. 'This latest ranking proves once again that Louisiana's elections are safe and secure,' Landry said. 'I am proud of the hard work that our elections team does day in and day out to ensure the integrity of our elections. While this news is cause for celebration, there is still much work to be done. I won't be satisfied until Louisiana is number one in the nation, and I am confident that will happen when we transition to a new, fully-auditable voting system.' A search has started for a new voting system. Landry previously told Louisiana First News that one of the problems with the existing decades-old system is finding machine parts for repairs. She said pilot testing could be conducted in smaller parishes starting in 2026. Democrats outpace Republicans in early voting ahead of March 29 election Trump administration goes to Supreme Court to block teacher preparation grants Democrat raising Hegseth's drinking sparks fury from Ratcliffe: 'An offensive line of questioning' Appeals court rules Madison Brooks' sexual history off-limits in defense case, DA says Dollar Tree sells Family Dollar for $1 billion Louisiana climbs to 2nd place in the nation for election integrity Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Early voting begins Saturday for March 29 elections; 4 constitutional amendments
Early voting for the Nov. 5, 2024, presidential election runs from Oct. 18-29 in Louisiana. (Wes Muller/Louisiana Illuminator) Early voting in Louisiana begins Saturday for the March 29 election to decide the fate of four constitutional amendments and, for some voters, local races. Early voting takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. March 15-22, excluding Sunday, March 16. Voters in all parishes will have four constitutional amendments on the ballot, while a select number of towns and parishes will get to decide on local propositions and offices, according to Secretary of State Nancy Landry. The election will decide who gets a seat on the 21st Judicial District Court that covers Tangipahoa, Livingston and St. Helena parishes. Democrats did not enter a candidate for this race, so three Republicans are jockeying for the seat. Fourteen parishes will have local races on the ballots: Avoyelles, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Livingston, Morehouse, Rapides, Richland, Sabine, St. Charles, St. Helena, St. Mary, Vermilion, Vernon and Washington. There are 17 parishes with local propositions on the ballots: Acadia, Allen, Assumption, Claiborne, Iberia, Jackson, Lafayette, Lafourche, Orleans, Ouachita, Plaquemines, St. James, St. Landry, Terrebonne, Union, Webster and West Baton Rouge. Ten parishes have local races and ballot referendums: Ascension, Bossier, Caddo, DeSoto, East Baton Rouge, Jefferson, Jefferson Davis, Red River, St. Tammany and Tangipahoa. Voters who are not overseas but cannot vote in-person still have time to request and cast an absentee ballot. The deadline to request an absentee ballot is 4:30 p.m. March 25, and completed ballots must be turned in by 4:30 p.m. March 28. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on election day, March 29. For more information on voting, visit or call (800) 883-2805 SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Make sure you can vote on whether to change the Louisiana Constitution on taxes, teacher pay
It's not too late to register to vote in Louisiana's March 29 election, but key deadlines are approaching to participate in a chance to change the state Constitution or choose local representatives from mayors to school board members in cities and parishes. Though the deadline to register to vote in person has passed, eligible voters can still register until Saturday, March 8, online through the GeauxVote Online Registration System. This deadline is for citizens who have never registered to vote, as well as voters who would like to make changes to their registration. Citizens may check their registration or register to vote online at Secretary of State Nancy Landry recommends voters download the free GeauxVote Mobile smartphone app. The app provides registration information as well as voting districts, sample ballots, polling place information and election results. Early voting for the March 29 election will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 15, through Saturday, March 22 (excluding Sunday, March 16). Voters statewide will decide on four proposed amendments to the Louisiana Constitution ranging from taxes, government spending, debt payments, specialized courts, juvenile crime and vacancies in judgeships. Massive Amendment No. 2 would lower the maximum rate of income tax, increase income tax deductions for citizens over 65, provide for a government growth limit, modify operation of certain constitutional funds, provide for property tax exemptions retaining the homestead exemption and exemption for religious organizations, provide a permanent teacher salary increase by requiring a surplus payment to teacher retirement debt and make other modifications. For information about voting, call the Elections Hotline at 800-883-2805, with TDD/TTY access at 711 or email the Elections Division at elections@ To report potential polling place accessibility issues, please email the Elections ADA Compliance Officer at ADA@ Complaints involving possible election code violations should be reported to the Secretary of State's Election Integrity Division at 800-722-5305. More: Explaining the Louisiana constitutional amendments on the March 29 election ballot Greg Hilburn covers state politics for the USA TODAY Network of Louisiana. Follow him on Twitter @GregHilburn1. This article originally appeared on Shreveport Times: How to make sure you can vote on Louisiana Constitution amendments
