§ 18:106 — Physical disability; inability to write English; language minority groups; execution of

Louisiana § 18:106

• Jurisdiction: Louisiana
• Title 18: Conservation

Text

§106. Physical disability; inability to write English; language minority groups; execution of
documents; assistance
A. Upon the request of an applicant for registration or for any registered voter,
without any formality, the registrar shall assist such person in the filling and execution of an
application, affidavit, or other form or document governed by the voter registration laws.
Any person authorized to accept voter registration applications shall assist such person in the
completion and execution of an application used for registration, change of address, or
change of name.
B. If the person requesting assistance has a physical disability or is unable to read or
write English, the registrar or any person authorized to accept voter registration applications
shall assist the person by reading the documents to him and by executing the documents by
writing what the person dictates. If the applicant or voter does not speak English adequately
for such dictation, the dictation shall be given and taken through an interpreter. If the
applicant or voter is able to sign his name to the document, he shall do so. If he is unable to
sign his name, he shall sign with his mark in the presence of two witnesses, who shall sign
as witnesses to his mark.
C.(1) If subsequent to registration a voter acquires a physical disability and needs
assistance in voting, he shall notify the appropriate registrar in person or by mail and shall
furnish the registrar proof of disability.
(2) For purposes of this Subsection proof of disability means one of the following:
(a) A certificate of a medical doctor, optometrist, physician assistant as defined in
R.S. 37:1360.22, or nurse practitioner as defined in R.S. 37:913 certifying to the irremediable
nature of the physical disability.
(b) A copy of a current mobility impairment identification card bearing a photograph
of the voter and the international symbol of accessibility issued by the secretary of the
Department of Public Safety and Corrections as authorized by R.S. 47:463.4.
(c) A copy of current documentation showing eligibility for social security disability
benefits, veteran's disability benefits, paratransit services, benefits from the office for citizens
with developmental disabilities, or benefits from Louisiana Rehabilitation Services.
(d) A completed and signed voter registration application attesting that the voter has
a physical disability and requires assistance in voting.
(3) If notifying the registrar by mail, in addition to notice and proof of disability, the
voter shall furnish the registrar a copy of his Louisiana driver's license, his Louisiana special
identification card issued pursuant to R.S. 40:1321, or other generally recognized picture
identification card that contains the name and signature of the voter, or a form on which the
person has listed the names and addresses of at least two persons residing in his precinct who
could make oath, if required, to the effect that the person is physically disabled. If he is
unable to sign his name to the notice sent by mail, he shall sign it with his mark witnessed
by the signatures of two witnesses.
(4) The failure of a voter to comply with this Subsection, or the furnishing of notice
and proof during the time that the registration records are closed, shall not deprive the voter
of his right to vote and to receive assistance in voting if he complies with the requirements
of the laws governing the conduct of elections with respect to assistance to voters in casting
their votes.
D. If an applicant for registration or registered voter is a member of a language
minority group, as determined under the federal Voting Rights Act that entitles the applicant
to registration notices, forms, instructions, materials, information, or other assistance in the
language applicable to his language minority group, the registrar or any person authorized
to accept voter registration applications shall supply such materials, information, and
assistance in conformity with the federal Voting Rights Act.

Legislative History

Acts 1976, No. 697, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978; Acts 1994, 3rd Ex. Sess., No. 10, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1995; Acts 2009, No. 436, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2010; Acts 2014, No. 811, §9, eff. June 23, 2014; Acts 2017, No. 201, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2018; Acts 2020, No. 28, §1, eff. June 4, 2020.