SHREVEPORT, La. — Louisiana Secretary of State Nancy Landry is encouraging residents across the state to head to the polls Saturday for the primary runoff election, emphasizing the importance of voter participation despite weather-related challenges and historically lower turnout.
 
Speaking with KTBS 3 News, Landry said voters will decide statewide Democratic and Republican primary runoff races for the U.S. Senate, while some communities will also have local races and ballot measures.
 
"Everyone should check their sample ballot," Landry said, noting that voters can review election information through the state's GoVote website and mobile app.
 
The election marks Louisiana's first year implementing a closed-party primary system approved by the Legislature in 2024. Under the new system, voters registered with either the Democratic or Republican Party may vote only in their respective party's primary runoff.
 
However, voters registered with no party affiliation can choose which party's primary ballot they wish to cast. Landry acknowledged that the change has created some confusion among voters.
 
"It is a new change to elections, and there is always a learning curve when we make changes," she said. "We had a lot of questions in May, particularly from voters who were unsure how the new process worked."
 
Unaffiliated voters will be asked to select a Democratic, Republican, or no-party ballot when they arrive at their polling place, Landry said. Choosing a ballot does not change a voter's party registration.
 
Early voting turnout for the runoff election trailed participation levels seen during last month's primary election. Landry attributed the decline to several factors, including severe weather, summer travel, and lower voter enthusiasm.
 
"We had some weather impacts, and this is a summertime election," Landry said. "People aren't used to voting in June, and some may not have realized the election was taking place."
 
Still, she stressed the importance of the election.
 
"It's an important race. It's for the U.S. Senate," she said. "If you care about your country and your state, you should go vote this Saturday."
 
Landry pointed to a recent municipal election in Stonewall that ended in a tie as an example of how much a single vote can matter.
 
"Every vote counts," she said. "If one more person had voted, there wouldn't have been a tie."
 
Severe weather remains a concern heading into Election Day. Parts of south and central Louisiana recently experienced significant flooding following Tropical Storm Arthur, while portions of north Louisiana, including Claiborne Parish, have also reported heavy rainfall.
 
Landry said her office has extensive experience conducting elections during emergencies and is actively assessing polling locations across affected areas.
 
"My team has already been out assessing precincts and determining whether they are flooded or usable," she said.
 
If polling locations become inaccessible, local officials can relocate voting sites, while the state can deploy temporary voting facilities, including tents and mobile polling units known as "BizBoxes."
 
"We've learned how to do elections during emergencies because of all the hurricanes we've had," Landry said. "We make sure everybody still gets to vote."
 
Voters experiencing difficulties on Election Day are encouraged to contact the Secretary of State's election hotline, available through the agency's website.
 
Landry also addressed ongoing litigation surrounding Louisiana's congressional district maps. The state's previous congressional map was ruled unconstitutional, prompting lawmakers to adopt a new map during the most recent legislative session.
 
"The current map is the law," Landry said. "Until the courts rule otherwise, we will continue implementing that map."
 
Her office is currently preparing election systems for congressional races scheduled for November, following court-ordered changes to the election calendar.
 
Despite the challenges posed by redistricting litigation, election scheduling changes, and severe weather, Landry expressed confidence in Louisiana's election administration.
 
"We are ranked number four in the nation in election integrity," she said. "People can vote with confidence."
 
Polls will be open statewide from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday. Landry urged voters to review their sample ballots before Election Day and confirm whether they have races or propositions to vote on.
 
"There is an important U.S. Senate primary runoff," she said. "We want everyone to make their voice heard."