§ 18:1406 — Petition; answer; notification

Louisiana § 18:1406

• Jurisdiction: Louisiana
• Title 18: Conservation

Text

§1406. Petition; answer; notification
A. An action objecting to the calling of a special election, objecting to candidacy,
contesting the certification of a recall petition, or contesting an election shall be instituted
by filing a petition in a court of competent jurisdiction and venue and posting a copy of the
petition in a conspicuous place at the entrance of the office of the clerk of court where the
petition is filed.
B. The petition shall set forth in specific detail the facts upon which the objection
or contest is based. If the action contests an election involving election to office, the petition
shall allege that except for substantial irregularities or error, fraud, or other unlawful
activities in the conduct of the election, the petitioner would have qualified for a second party
primary or general election or would have been elected. If the action contests an election
involving the recall of a public officer, the petition shall allege that except for substantial
irregularities or error, fraud, or other unlawful activities in the conduct of the election, the
petitioner would not have been recalled. The trial judge may allow the filing of amended
pleadings for good cause shown and in the interest of justice.
C. The defendant shall be served with citation directing him to appear in court no
later than 10:00 a.m. on the fourth day after suit was filed, subject, however, to the provisions
of R.S. 18:1408. The defendant is not required to answer the petition, but if the defendant
answers, the defendant shall do so prior to trial.
D. The clerk of court shall immediately notify the secretary of state by telephone and
by written notice sent by electronic mail or facsimile when an action objecting to the calling
of a special election, objecting to candidacy, contesting the certification of a recall petition,
or contesting an election has been filed.

Legislative History

Acts 1976, No. 697, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978; Acts 1980, No. 506, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1981; Acts 1985, No. 754, §1; Acts 1999, No. 254, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2000; Acts 2001, No. 451, §6, eff. Jan. 12, 2004; Acts 2006, No. 560, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2007; Acts 2010, No. 570, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2011; Acts 2010, No. 621, §1; Acts 2012, No. 138, §1, eff. May 14, 2012; Acts 2020, No. 28, §1, eff. June 4, 2020; Acts 2024, No. 390, §1; Acts 2024, No. 640, §1, eff. See Act; Acts 2025, No. 386, §4, eff. June 20, 2025 .