§ La. R.S. 18:1363(untitled)

Number of machines; allocation to precincts; exception; reserve machines
A. In determining the number of voting machines to be purchased and allocated for each voting
precinct in each parish or municipality, the minimum number to be allocated shall be as follows:
(1) One machine for each precinct where three hundred or less voters were registered to vote thirty
days prior to the election.
(2) Two machines for each precinct where more than three hundred but not more than one thousand
voters were registered to vote thirty days prior to the election.
(3) Three machines for each precinct where more than one thousand voters but not more than
eighteen hundred voters were registered to vote thirty days prior to the election.
(4) Four machines for each precinct where more than eighteen hundred voters were registered to
vote thirty days prior to the election.
B. The parish custodian of voting machines may reduce the number of voting machines to be
allocated and used in elections called under the provisions of Chapter 6-A or 6-B of this Code when the
election is not held at the same time as the election of any public official. In such case, the parish custodian
of voting machines shall notify the secretary of state at least four weeks prior to such election of the number
of machines to be prepared and delivered for the polling places.
C. The number of voting machines to be allocated and used in an election, including the election
of any public official, where more than one polling place is within the same location and the parish board
of election supervisors has consolidated polling places in that location may be reduced for that election in
accordance with the provisions of R.S. 18:425.1.
D. The parish custodian of voting machines may reduce the number of voting machines to be
allocated and used in an election called under the provisions of Part III of Chapter 6 of this Title where the
only other election on the ballot is for the election of political party committee members. Not less than
twenty-nine days prior to such an election, the parish custodian of voting machines shall notify the secretary
of state of the number of voting machines to be prepared and delivered to each polling place.
E. If any voting machines remain unallocated for an election, the secretary of state first shall reserve
a sufficient number, not to exceed five percent of the total available, for use at precincts where a machine
is disabled, damaged, or unavailable during election day. The remaining machines shall be allocated by the
parish custodian, after consultation with the secretary of state, to the various precincts. As far as practicable
the machines shall be distributed so that the precincts having equal or nearly equal numbers of registered
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Louisiana Election Code – 265
R.S. 18:1364
voters shall have the same number of machines. If the secretary of state and a parish custodian agree that
the use of the remaining machines is unnecessary for the proper and orderly conduct of the election, it shall
not be necessary to allocate and use such machines.
F. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section, if the secretary of state determines that a voting
machine shortage exists in a parish, the secretary of state shall first reallocate and move any available voting
machines of like type in excess of the requirements of Subsection A of this Section to the parish where the
shortage exists. However, if a shortage continues to exist after relocation, the secretary of state may reduce
the allocation of voting machines for each precinct and polling place in order to ensure that each polling
place is allocated at least one voting machine. Prior to any reduction in allocation of voting machines the
secretary of state shall immediately notify the parish custodian of voting machines in each affected parish
of the reduction of the allocation of voting machines and the parish custodian of voting machines shall take
whatever action is necessary consistent with this Code to accommodate the reduced allocation. In addition,
the secretary of state shall notify in writing the standing committees of each house of the legislature which
have oversight over elections of the shortage and the reasons therefor.
G. The parish custodian of voting machines may submit a written request to the secretary of state
for additional voting machines for overcrowded precincts. The written request shall be submitted on or
before the twenty-ninth day prior to the election and shall include the number of additional voting machines
requested and an explanation of the need for additional voting machines. If the secretary of state determines
that there is a need for additional voting machines and that the provision of additional voting machines is
feasible, he may allocate additional voting machines.
H. The parish custodian of voting machines may submit a written request to the secretary of state
to reduce the number of voting machines to be allocated and used in an election other than an election
provided for in Subsection B or D of this Section. The written request shall be submitted on or before the
twenty-ninth day prior to a primary election and at least four weeks prior to a general election and shall
include the proposed reduced number of voting machines and an explanation of the need for the reduction
in the number of voting machines. If the secretary of state determines that the reduction in the number of
voting machines is feasible, he may reduce the number of voting machines.