Louisiana schools and municipalities to align elections with gubernatorial schedule

House Bill 323, introduced in Louisiana on April 16, 2025, aims to synchronize municipal and school board elections with the fall gubernatorial election cycle, starting in 2031. The bill allows municipalities and school boards to adopt a resolution to hold their elections concurrently with the gubernatorial elections, a move intended to increase voter turnout and streamline the electoral process.

Under the proposed law, any school board or municipality that opts for this change must file their election plan with the Secretary of State by specific deadlines—July 29, 2026, for school boards and January 13, 2027, for municipalities. The bill stipulates that once a plan is adopted, it cannot be revoked. This means that school board members elected during the 2026 congressional elections will serve until their successors, elected under the new plan, take office on January 1, 2032. Similarly, municipal officers elected in the 2027 spring elections will serve until July 1, 2032.

The bill retains existing provisions regarding the filling of vacancies in municipal and school board offices, ensuring that the current legal framework remains intact while introducing this significant change to the election schedule.

Supporters of House Bill 323 argue that aligning these elections with the gubernatorial cycle could enhance civic engagement and reduce costs associated with separate election events. However, there may be concerns regarding the potential for voter fatigue or confusion due to the increased number of offices on the ballot during gubernatorial elections.

As the bill progresses through the legislative process, it is likely to spark debates about the implications of such a shift on local governance and electoral participation. If passed, House Bill 323 could reshape the electoral landscape in Louisiana, potentially influencing voter turnout and the political dynamics of local elections in the years to come.