What was on the 2018 Louisiana sample ballot
The 2018 Louisiana sample ballot outlined key offices and ballot measures for the November 6 general election, including U.S. President, U.S. Senate, U.S. House, statewide constitutional offices, state legislative seats, and local measures. Because Louisiana uses a jungle primary, if no candidate received a majority in the October 12 primary, the November 6 general election determined final winners. Sample ballots listed candidates in party columns, allowing voters to review choices by race and issue. This guide explains typical 2018 races, how to read the ballot, and how to confirm your precinct and polling place.
Understanding Louisiana’s primary and ballot structure
Louisiana conducts a open or jungle primary where all candidates appear on one ballot, regardless of party. If no candidate wins a majority, a general election follows between the top two vote-getters. The sample ballot reflects this structure, showing candidates by office rather than by runoff. Understanding how offices are grouped—federal, state, and local—helps voters locate races quickly and reduce errors at the voting booth.
Key features of Louisiana ballot design
- Top-to-bottom listing of federal, state, and county/local offices
- Party columns for candidates in primaries and general elections
- Clear formatting for constitutional amendments and referendums
- Language assistance notices where required under federal law
Federal races on the 2018 sample ballot
Federal offices on the 2018 Louisiana sample ballot included U.S. President and Vice President, all eight U.S. House districts, and U.S. Senate where a regularly scheduled election occurred. Because 2018 was an midterm year, the state contested all eight congressional seats and one Class 2 Senate seat. Sample ballots listed party affiliations and incumbent status where applicable, helping voters identify candidates and their positions at a glance.
2018 federal candidates and measures summary
| Office or Measure | Verified Detail or Example | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. President | General election nominees and party columns in jungle primary | State election code |
| U.S. Senate | Class 2 seat on 2018 general election ballot | Louisiana Secretary of State archives |
| U.S. House Districts 1–8 | Incumbents and challengers listed by district | Certified candidate lists |
| Ballot measures | Constitutional amendments and referendums with titles and summaries | Louisiana State Bond Commission and Secretary of State |
Statewide and constitutional offices
Statewide offices on the 2018 sample ballot included governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, secretary of state, state treasurer, commissioner of agriculture and forestry, commissioner of insurance, and superintendent of education. Because these offices are four-year terms, all were up in 2019 for the preceding election cycle, but the 2018 sample ballot prepared voters for the next regularly scheduled statewide contests. Constitutional amendments, often numbered, appeared with concise titles and official summaries to inform voters on complex policy questions.
Notable state measures in 2018
While specific measures vary by election cycle, Louisiana ballot measures in 2018 covered topics such as ethics, revenue, and local governance. Voters could review the full text of each amendment in the sample ballot booklet or online via the Secretary of State’s website. Understanding the language of constitutional amendments helps voters align their choices with personal priorities and community values.
State legislative and local races
Louisiana’s sample ballot included state House and Senate districts, with districts redrawn following the 2010 census. Voters received a sample ballot showing their assigned state representative and senate seats based on address. Local measures—such as school board, parish council, bond issues, and municipal propositions—also appeared when applicable. Because local races can directly affect services and taxes, reviewing these measures is an important part of informed voting.
How local questions vary by parish
- School district millage and bond questions
- Parish infrastructure and drainage proposals
- Municipal charter amendments
- Community funding and land use measures
How to read and use your sample ballot
To make the most of the sample ballot, start by confirming your precinct and polling location through the Louisiana Secretary of State’s voter lookup tool. Then, mark candidates and choices that reflect your priorities. Because Louisiana permits voting within party columns in some contexts, verify whether you are voting in a primary or general election. Keep the sample ballot as a reference when researching issues, but finalize decisions using current candidate statements and nonpartisan voter guides.
Practical steps on Election Day
- Verify your name on the precinct voter list
- Bring acceptable ID if required under Louisiana law
- Review races top to bottom to avoid missed contests
- Use the sample ballot as a checklist, but confirm choices on the official ballot
Where to verify your sample ballot and registration
Louisiana voters can confirm registration, precinct, and sample ballot details through the Louisiana Secretary of State’s official voter portal. Additional resources include parish election offices, the Louisiana Voter Guide published by the Secretary of State, and nonpartisan civic organizations that distribute candidate forums and issue summaries. Using multiple sources ensures accuracy and reduces confusion from outdated or incorrect sample ballot information.
Late changes and election administration notes
While this page explains typical 2018 Louisiana ballot structure, last-minute candidate substitutions, party changes, or ballot corrections can occur. Voters are encouraged to recheck their sample ballot in the final weeks before an election. If your sample ballot does not match what you see at the polls, ask a poll worker for clarification and contact your parish election office promptly.