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Louisiana Legislature Passes Bill to Allow “Independent” Label on Ballot for Independent Candidates

Posted on June 23, 2011 by admin

On June 20, the Louisiana Senate passed HB 533 by 26-9. This is the Secretary of State’s omnibus election law bill. Among other things, it lets independent candidates for all office have “independent” on the ballot next to their names. Previously, only independent presidential candidates could have that label. The bill also removes the names of presidential elector candidates from the ballot.

Comments

Louisiana Legislature Passes Bill to Allow “Independent” Label on Ballot for Independent Candidates — 5 Comments

Libertarian Voter on June 23, 2011 at 5:32 pm said:

Cool! Good job Louisiana.
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Affiliated Voter on June 24, 2011 at 1:23 am said:

Shouldn’t that be “unaffiliated” rather than “independent”? Just asking.
Richard Winger on June 24, 2011 at 6:07 am said:

#3, see page 23 of the bill, the part of the bill that amends section 551.
An Alabama Independent on June 25, 2011 at 6:34 am said:

I agree with Libertarian Voter in that this a good job by the Louisiana legislature. I have to disagree with Affiliated Voter as the word “unaffilited” does not have the drawing power as “independent.” Voters have historically trusted this label – “independent.” They don’t know what “unaffiliated” could mean.

I assume the governor will sign the bill. I expect to see more independents run in Louisiana in the future – especially for local office. Let’s hope they are not “so successful” the legislature comes back years from now and reverses itself.