CHAPTER 8. VOTING, VOTING MACHINES, AND

ABSENTEE BY MAIL AND EARLY VOTING COUNTING EQUIPMENT

PART I. GENERAL PROVISIONS

§1351. Definitions

As used in this Chapter, unless otherwise specified, the following terms shall have the meanings herein ascribed to each:

(1) "Absentee by mail and early voting counting equipment" means a device capable of counting and producing results of votes cast on paper absentee by mail and early voting ballots.

(2) "Candidate counters" and "question counters" mean the counters on which are registered numerically the votes cast with respect to candidates and questions.

(3) "Diagram" means a sample ballot illustrative of the official ballot as placed upon the machine, showing the names of the parties, offices, and candidates and statements of questions, in their proper places, and showing the voting devices therefor.

(4) "Election" means and includes all elections held in Louisiana, whether primary, general, or special.

(5) "Electronic voting machine" means a voting machine that displays a full-face ballot, whereby votes are cast by pushing a vote indicator button on the face of the machine or a voting machine that displays a paging ballot, whereby votes are cast by selecting a vote indicator by touching the screen or using available tools on the voting system.

(6) "Model" means a mechanically operated model or miniature of the whole or a part of the face of the voting machine, illustrating the manner of voting.

(7) "Official ballot" means the list of candidates, offices, amendments, questions, or propositions prominently displayed on the front of the voting machine.

(8) "Parish custodian" refers to the parish custodian of voting machines and means the persons designated as such by R.S. 18:1354.

(9) "Protective counter" means a counter, tabulator, or protective device that will register each time the machine is operated.

(10) "Public counter" means a counter, tabulator, or other device on the outside or on the face of the machine, which shall at all times indicate the number of times votes have been cast on a machine at an election.

(11) "Question" means an amendment, proposition, or like matter to be voted on in an election.

(12) "Vote indicator" means the device on a voting machine with which votes upon a candidate or question are indicated.

(13) "Voting machine" means the enclosure occupied by the voter when voting, as formed by the machine, its screen and privacy shield, which shall include electronic voting machines.

Acts 1976, No. 697, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978; Acts 2001, No. 1181, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 2002; Acts 2002, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 130, §1, eff. April 23, 2002; Acts 2005, No. 220, §4, eff. Jan. 1, 2006; Acts 2006, No. 403, §2, eff. Jan. 1, 2007; Acts 2007, No. 240, §1.