New Orleans, Our Young People Need Us at the Polls
Early voting runs Oct 20–27, 8:30 a.m.–6 p.m. (closed Sunday, Oct 25) at any site in Orleans Parish. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov 3.
Check Your Registration See Key DatesWhy This Matters
We celebrate everything in this city. Let's show up for this too. Young people vote at much lower rates than older voters, so the people who decide about rent, wages, schools, and policing hear less from them.
This ballot includes a U.S. Senate seat, U.S. House seats under a brand-new map, the state school board, local judges, and ten constitutional amendments. Many of these races are decided by small margins. Y'all can change that.
Key Dates
How to Vote
- Check or register at geauxvote.com or on the Geaux Vote app.
- Look up your sample ballot. The congressional map changed in May, so confirm your House district.
- Pick your day. Any registered voter can vote early at any early voting site in Orleans Parish, for any reason.
- Bring ID: a driver's license, LA Wallet, or other photo ID.
- Post your sticker and tag a friend who hasn't gone yet.
College Students: Yes, You Can Vote
If you're 18 by Election Day and a U.S. citizen, you can vote. Just pick one place to be registered.
- In school in New Orleans? You can usually register at your campus or New Orleans address, or stay registered at home.
- From New Orleans but away at school? Stay registered at home and vote absentee by mail. Request your ballot by Friday, Oct 30.
- Home for a weekend? If you're registered here, vote early in person Oct 20–27.
The one rule: register and vote in only one place.
Big Impact.
Local races often decide more about daily life than the presidency, yet turnout is lowest in them. Fewer voters means each vote carries more weight.
| On the ballot | What it decides |
|---|---|
| Criminal Court Judges | Bail, sentences, who sits in jail awaiting trial |
| Civil Court Judges | Evictions, custody, debt, landlord disputes |
| State School Board (BESE) | Schools, charters, testing |
| Public Service Commission | Your electric bill |
| U.S. Senate & House | Federal laws, wages, health care |
| Constitutional Amendments | Permanent changes to state law |
Know Your Senate Race
U.S. Senate • Nov 3, 2026 • Replacing Sen. Bill Cassidy. Summaries are based on each campaign's stated priorities.
Julia Letlow
RepublicanU.S. Representative since 2021.
Priorities: border security and public safety, economic growth, school choice and parents' rights. Strongly pro-life.
Endorsed by: President Trump, Gov. Jeff Landry
Jamie Davis
DemocratTensas Parish farmer, former police juror.
Priorities: affordability and a higher minimum wage, health care, education, voting rights, an independent ban on gerrymandering. Supports abortion access.
Endorsed by: Louisiana Democratic Party, Rep. Troy Carter, Mayor Helena Moreno
Also On Your Ballot
Names listed alphabetically. Your exact ballot depends on your address — check it at geauxvote.com.
U.S. House, District 2 (most of New Orleans)
- Lisa Ballay (Libertarian)
- Walter "Rocky" Beach (No Party)
- Troy A. Carter Sr. (Democrat, incumbent)
- Renada "Honey" Collins (No Party)
- Peter Williams (Republican)
Public Service Commission, District 1 — they set your light bill
- Stephanie Hilferty
- Chris Justin
BESE (State School Board), District 1 — they shape our schools
- Joseph Cao (Republican)
- Angela Hershey (Democrat)
Plus: district court judges and 10 constitutional amendments. Some neighborhoods are in House District 1 — check your ballot.
No Excuses, Y'all
| What we hear | What's real |
|---|---|
| "My vote doesn't matter." | Local judges and amendments are often decided by a few hundred votes. |
| "I'm a college student, I can't vote." | Yes you can! Register at your school or home address — pick one. Away at school? Vote absentee. |
| "I don't like the candidates." | Vote on judges and amendments; they shape daily life. |
| "I don't know enough." | Pull up your sample ballot. 10 minutes. Bring notes. |
| "I'm too busy." | Early voting runs 8 days, any site in the parish. |
| "I moved or I'm not registered." | Fix it online by Tue, Oct 13. |
| "I don't have a ride." | Let's go together. |
To Parents, Grandparents, and Mentors
Young people are far more likely to vote when someone they trust asks them and shows them how. You can make the difference:
- Share your story about why you vote and what our families went through to have that right.
- Make sure they're registered by Tuesday, Oct 13.
- Take them with you to vote early.
- Sit down with the sample ballot together, especially the judges and amendments.
- Make it every election, not just the big ones.
Y'all, let that someone be you.