§1309.2. Program for the conduct of early voting at additional locations

A. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the secretary of state may develop and implement a program for the conduct of early voting at additional locations within any parish of the state.

B. The secretary of state shall select additional locations for the program based on feasibility, accessibility, and the number of registered voters.

C. In developing the program, the secretary of state shall specifically solicit the input, recommendations, and advice of the registrars of voters and clerks of court on issues such as: the procedures for the conduct of early voting; the tabulation of votes cast at the program locations; the selection of the additional locations and the requirements for such locations; ensuring the integrity and security of the early voting process; and how to ensure that a voter does not vote during early voting in an office of the registrar and at one of the program locations. The registrars of voters and clerks of court in each parish in which an additional location is selected for the program shall assist the secretary of state, as necessary, to implement the program in those parishes.

D.(1) After the development of the program and after any change to the program, the secretary of state shall submit the details of the program and any change to the program, including the locations selected for the program, to the House Committee on House and Governmental Affairs and the Senate Committee on Senate and Governmental Affairs for review and approval at a joint meeting called for such purpose. No action shall be taken by the joint committee except by the favorable vote of a majority of the members thereof from each house present and voting, each house voting separately.

(2) If approved by the House Committee on House and Governmental Affairs and the Senate Committee on Senate and Governmental Affairs, the program and any change to the program shall be implemented.

E. Not later than March first of each year, the secretary of state shall provide a written report to the House Committee on House and Governmental Affairs and the Senate Committee on Senate and Governmental Affairs. Such report shall provide a review of the program and shall include a description of the types of technology utilized, the costs involved, whether any problems arose, an examination of voter turnout during the program, and any recommendations for legislation.

Acts 2006, No. 349, §1, eff. June 13, 2006; Acts 2008, No. 135, §1, eff. June 6, 2008.