§ La. R.S. 18:43(untitled)

Investigations and hearings; certain elections
A. The board may investigate any aspect of any election, except as provided in R.S. 18:45. The board
may initiate such an investigation upon the receipt of a sworn statement by any registered voter of this state
alleging error, fraud, irregularity, or other unlawful activity in the conduct of an election.
B. The board may convene in any location in the state for the purpose of conducting hearings and
receiving testimony concerning any irregularity, error, or apparent violation of law in any election. It may
House of Representatives Database
Louisiana Election Code – 11
R.S. 18:44
convene upon the receipt by the board of a sworn statement by any registered voter of this state alleging
error, fraud, irregularity, or other unlawful activity in the conduct of an election.
C. The board shall have the power and authority to subpoena witnesses, administer oaths, compel the
production of books, documents, records, and papers, public and private, and to do all other things necessary
in carrying out its duties and responsibilities.
D. Failure to comply with any order of the board, issued in accordance with or under authority hereof,
refusal to testify, or any act of disrespect or of disorderly or contemptuous behavior before the board shall
constitute contempt of the board, and the board shall have the power and authority to institute proceedings
in any court of competent jurisdiction for the punishment thereof as provided by the constitution and laws.
False swearing or perjury before the board shall in like manner be punished in accordance with the laws of
the state.
E. All proceedings in connection with any investigation by the board shall be conducted in closed
session, and for that purpose, such proceedings shall be exempt from the provisions of the Public Meetings
Law. All records pertaining to such proceedings shall be exempt from the provisions of the Public Records
Law. They shall remain confidential and not be open for public inspection unless and until they are entered
into the record of any court, except as specifically provided in R.S. 18:44(C). However, the records and
findings of the board pertaining to any such proceedings shall be made available to the attorney general, to
any district attorney having jurisdiction of the matter contained in such records or findings upon formal
written request, or in response to the order of any court having jurisdiction of the matter contained in such
records or findings. Any person appearing before the board shall be entitled to the right to counsel.