There are various types of barriers facing voters including photo ID requirements, voting booth availability, the flexibility of poll hours, and the availability of time off from work with pay for voting. Some states even have financial penalties for the violation of deadlines or rules related to registration lists. Online voter registration, absentee voting, and early voting are some policies that clearly are shown to ease voting. A new voting bill in Louisiana is a step in the right direction. It markedly increases early voting times for presidential elections. This legislation alert is published by Democracy Docket. Here is an excerpt:

A new bill proposed by Democrats in the Louisiana state legislature would significantly increase early voting in Louisiana for presidential elections. HB 286 would extend the early voting period in the state from 7 to 11 days in an effort to alleviate long wait times at the polls and difficulties casting in-person ballots, especially for Black voters across the state. Last year, Louisiana saw a record-breaking number of voters cast their ballots during the early voting period. However, the 7 day period is significantly lower than the national average, which is around 19 days. 

The bill passed the House with an overwhelming 91-7 vote, and was advanced unanimously in the Senate despite Republicans controlling the state legislature. It now moves to Governor John Bel Edwards (D) who is expected to sign it. 

Read HB 286 here.

Access the alert page on Democracy Docket through this link. Also see related Democracy Chronicles articles like those on Voting Methods, Direct Democracy, and definitely check out our main Voting Methods section.