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Secretary of State Kyle Ardoin is reminding voters that early voting began Friday, Nov. 20, and will continue through Saturday, Nov. 28, from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, excluding Sunday, Nov. 22, Thursday, Nov. 26, and Friday, Nov. 27 (due to the state observed holiday for Thanksgiving and Acadian Day). This early voting period is in advance of the official election on Saturday, Dec. 5.

Citizens who want to vote early may do so in person at the parish Registrar of Voters Office or at other designated locations. In Washington Parish, the designated locations are the Washington Parish Courthouse in Franklinton and the Sullivan Drive campus of Northshore Technical Community College in Bogalusa.

The ballot for the Dec. 5 election includes several races that require run-offs after the November general elections. Not all parish residents will vote in all races.

The run-offs are:

• U.S. House of Representatives, 5th Congressional District — Lance Harris, Republican; Luke J. Letlow, Republican.
• Louisiana Public Service Commission, District 1 — Allen H. Borne Jr., Democrat; Eric Skrmetta, Republican.
• Alderman, Town of Franklinton (vote for two) — Frankie Crosby Sr., Democrat; Seth Descant, Republican; Jeamie F. “J” McCullen, Democrat; Heath Spears, Republican.
• Republican State Central Committee, 12th Senatorial District, Division E — Roy K. Burns Jr., Republican; Darryl D. Peterson, Republican.

Voters will also be asked for their opinion on a statewide constitutional amendment and parish-wide tax renewal proposition. The tax renewal proposition is whether to continue an existing tax to fund the maintenance of parish roads and bridges.

Citizens in Washington Parish Fire Protection District No. 7 will also vote on an annual parcel fee.

The statewide constitutional amendment is whether to allow the governor to appoint a person who resides out-of-state to serve as an at-large member of a public postsecondary education board of supervisors.

Voters are encouraged to utilize Louisiana’s award-winning, free smartphone app, GeauxVote Mobile, to locate their early voting site, Election Day voting site, or view their sample ballot. GeauxBot, the virtual voter assistant, is also available to access pertinent election information such as registration deadlines, election dates, polling locations, and hours. GeauxBot is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week by visiting voterportal.sos.la.gov or by selecting Elections and Voting on sos.la.gov.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, polling commissioners will be supplied with personal protective equipment and will regularly sanitize designated areas and wipe down voting machines between each voter. Hand sanitizer will be provided to voters and masks are recommended, although not required.

In addition to a Louisiana driver’s license, a Louisiana Special ID, or a generally recognized ID with picture and signature, voters may use a digital license via LA Wallet.

For more information, contact the Elections Division at 1-800-883-2805 or elections@sos.la.gov.