Louisiana SR 151: VOTERS/VOTING: Creates a task force to study ways to increase early voting in Louisiana with an emphasis on rural communities.

Bill Text

2022 Regular Session ENROLLED
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 151
BY SENATOR CARTER
A RESOLUTION
To create and provide for the Task Force on Early Voting.
WHEREAS, the right to vote is a fundamental component of a democratic society;
and
WHEREAS, every effort should be made to honor the sacrifices of prior generations
by ensuring the right to vote is afforded to all citizens; and
WHEREAS, early voting provides a valuable opportunity for more citizens to
exercise their right to vote, particularly those in rural communities; and
WHEREAS, greater civic participation provides for greater opportunities for
representation of all the people of Louisiana; and
WHEREAS, examination of methods by which to facilitate an increase in early
voting is vital to ensuring more citizens are able to perform their civic duty and make their
voices heard.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana
does hereby create the Task Force on Early Voting to study ways to increase early voting in
Louisiana, and to propose recommendations, together with specific proposals for legislation,
by written report to the Senate and to the David R. Poynter Legislative Research Library as
required by R.S. 24:771 and 772, no later than March 1, 2023.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force should give consideration to the
costs, voting locations, and the logistical and administrative challenges associated with early
voting and develop pragmatic and equitable solutions to facilitate an increase in early voter
turnout.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force shall consist of the following
members:
Page 1 of 3

SR NO. 151 ENROLLED
(1) The secretary of state, or his designee.
(2) The commissioner of elections, or his designee.
(3) A member of the Senate, appointed by the president of the Senate.
(4) The chairman of the Senate and Governmental Affairs Committee, or his
designee.
(5) The president of the Louisiana Registrars of Voters Association, or his designee.
(6) A member of the Louisiana Registrars of Voters Association from a parish that
does not contain a municipality with a population of 45,000 or more people according to the
2020 federal decennial census, appointed by the president of the board of directors of the
Louisiana Registrars of Voters Association.
(7) A member of the Louisiana Registrars of Voters Association from a parish that
contains a municipality with a population of 45,000 or more people according to the 2020
federal decennial census, appointed by the president of the board of directors of the
Louisiana Registrars of Voters Association.
(8) A member of the Louisiana Municipal Association from a parish that does not
contain a municipality with a population of 45,000 or more people according to the 2020
federal decennial census, appointed by the president of the Louisiana Municipal Association.
(9) A member of the Louisiana Municipal Association from a parish that contains a
municipality with a population of 45,000 or more people according to the 2020 federal
decennial census, appointed by the president of the Louisiana Municipal Association.
(10) A member of the Louisiana Police Jury Association, appointed by the president
of the Louisiana Police Jury Association.
(11) The executive director of the Louisiana Clerks of Court Association, or his
designee.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force shall consult with and receive
information from the Governor's Office of Disability Affairs and the Power Coalition for
Equity and Justice.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that each appointing authority shall submit the name
of the authority's appointee to the task force to the chairman of the Senate and Governmental
Affairs Committee no later than August 1, 2022.
Page 2 of 3

SR NO. 151 ENROLLED
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED the task force shall convene for its first meeting no
later than September 1, 2022, at the call of the member appointed by the president of the
Senate, and at the first meeting, the members shall elect a chairman and other officers as the
task force may deem appropriate.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a majority of the task force shall constitute a
quorum for the transaction of business. All official actions of the task force shall require the
affirmative vote of a majority of the members.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the members of the task force shall serve
without compensation, except per diem or expenses reimbursement to which they may be
individually entitled as members of their constituent organizations.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the secretary of state's office shall provide staff
support and assist the task force in carrying out its duties.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force shall terminate on the date of the
submission of its report.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
secretary of state, the commissioner of elections, the executive director of the Governor's
Office of Disability Affairs, the president of the Power Coalition for Equity and Justice, the
pre