Early voting ends Oct. 27. Here is what each of the 10 constitutional amendments would change, in plain English.
Louisiana voters will decide ten changes to the state Constitution on Nov. 3, and most people have not heard what is on the list. The Public Affairs Research Council has published a full guide, and local TV stations have run yes-or-no summaries. The amendments touch property taxes, bail, retirement debt, water lines and who may run for governor.
A yes vote changes the Constitution. A no vote leaves current law as it is. The questions appear on the ballot as short summaries, so knowing the substance ahead of time helps.
When and How to Vote
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3, and polls are open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., according to one regional paper. Early voting runs through Oct. 27, daily except Sundays, from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. No excuse is needed to vote early in person.
Voters should bring a photo ID, such as a Louisiana driver’s license or state ID card. Without one, a voter can sign an affidavit. The Secretary of State’s voter portal lets voters check their registration and find parish election information.
Absentee voting by mail requires a qualifying reason, such as being 65 or older or being away from the parish. Under state rules, most voters must request a mail ballot by 4:30 p.m. four days before the election, and the registrar must receive the voted ballot by 4:30 p.m. the day before.
The 10 Amendments
Amendment 1, surviving spouse exemption. Lets a surviving spouse receive a disabled veteran’s extra homestead exemption. The Legislative Fiscal Office says only 229 surviving spouses claimed it in 2025, a value of about $168,000, so the impact is expected to be minimal.
Amendment 2, local property tax rates. Gives local governments more flexibility to set tax rates after property is reassessed. One analysis says it would likely reduce local revenue, though no dollar estimate exists. Supporters and critics differ on how much flexibility is appropriate.
Amendment 3, bail. Bars bail after conviction for certain aggravated offenses against children. The Invest in Louisiana guide sets out arguments on both sides.
Amendment 4, governor term limits. Makes the term limit permanent. Today a governor who serves two consecutive terms must sit out a term and may then run again. Under the amendment, according to the Louisiana Illuminator, a governor who served more than a term and a half could not be elected governor again. The Illuminator says that would bar former Govs. Bobby Jindal and John Bel Edwards, and could affect Gov. Jeff Landry if he wins a second term next year. The sponsor, Rep. Mike Bayham, R-Chalmette, says the measure is about the future, and that repeat runs by former governors make it harder for new candidates to raise money. The Louisiana Democratic Party opposes it and calls it aimed at Edwards, who has not said he plans to run. Legislative history is messy: the House rejected the bill in April before passing it 73-25 on May 5. The Senate approved it 28-10.
Amendment 5, retirement system debt. Gives the state flexibility in how it pays down retirement system debt. The Legislative Fiscal Office projects no fiscal or actuarial impact.
Amendment 6, senior homestead exemptions. Allows larger, age-based homestead exemptions for older homeowners, chosen locally. According to the fiscal office, a 65-year-old with a $135,000 home would save about $630 a year, while an 81-year-old with a $375,000 home would save more than $3,000 a year. Local governments would absorb the lost revenue.
Amendment 7, lead water lines. Lets public money be used to replace lead and other hazardous water service lines on private property. Supporters include New Orleans officials, where the work is a major issue.
Amendment 8, foreign adversaries. Bars foreign adversaries and their agents from expropriating property in Louisiana. One analysis calls it a solution to a problem that does not exist, while supporters say it is a precaution.
Amendment 9, assessment freeze. Raises the income limit for the property assessment freeze for older homeowners from about $100,000 to $150,000, according to WAFB. No dollar estimate exists, and the revenue loss would build over time.
Amendment 10, blighted property. Lets local governments offer an optional property tax exemption for rehabilitated blighted property. The revenue effect is hard to predict.
Where to Read More
The PAR guide and the Invest in Louisiana guide each give bill numbers and arguments for every amendment. Because the ballot gives only a short summary of each, voters can print the guide or take notes to the booth.
Sources:
• Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana, Guide to the Constitutional Amendments
• Invest in Louisiana, Guide to the Nov. 3 Constitutional Amendments
• WAFB, “Louisiana voters face 10 constitutional amendments in November” (Oct. 14)
• Louisiana Illuminator, early voting dates and ID rules (Oct. 19)
• Louisiana Illuminator, “Louisiana Democratic Party comes out against amendment to limit governors’ time in office”
• Louisiana Legislature, HB 225 bill history (Act 414)
• WAFB, April 23 report on House vote on HB 225
• Rapides Parish Journal, early voting and amendment guide (Oct. 20)
• Louisiana Secretary of State, vote by mail
• Louisiana Secretary of State, Voter Portal
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