Early voting is underway for the Oct. 11 election in Madison Parish, where voters are deciding on several parishwide tax renewal propositions.
Voting is taking place at the Madison Parish Courthouse from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Saturday.
First-time voter Deonte Williams said casting his ballot was a milestone. “It felt great to vote for the first time,” Williams said. “It’s still an important election, but I’m most excited for the upcoming 2026 election.”
The ballot includes three parishwide millage renewals and one district proposition. Proposition No. 1 would continue a 7-mill property tax, estimated to generate $796,200 annually for 10 years beginning in 2027, to fund the courthouse and jail. Proposition No. 2 would continue a 1.18-mill property tax, estimated to generate $134,200 annually for 10 years, split between the parish health unit and the general fund. Proposition No. 3 would continue a 9.03-mill property tax, estimated to generate $1,027,100 annually for 10 years, with half funding garbage collection and disposal services and half going to parish public works and roads. The Madison Parish Communications District is also asking voters to renew a 3-mill property tax, estimated to generate $341,000 annually for 10 years beginning in 2027, to fund the parish’s enhanced 911 system, including equipment and dispatch personnel.
Election Day is Oct. 11. Voters can locate their precincts online at GeauxVote.com or by calling the Madison Parish Registrar of Voters at 318-574-2193.
Louisiana voters will also see changes beginning in 2026 with the start of closed-party primaries. The Legislature approved the new system through Act 1 of the 2024 First Extraordinary Session, ending the state’s open primary system for certain offices.
Closed-party primaries will apply to elections for the U.S. House, U.S. Senate, Louisiana Supreme Court, Public Service Commission, and the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. Democratic voters will vote only for Democratic candidates, and Republican voters will vote only for Republican candidates. Voters registered with no party may choose either ballot but must stay with that party through any runoff. Voters registered with other parties such as Green or Libertarian cannot participate in closed-party primaries but may still vote in other open contests.
Winners of the closed-party primaries will advance to the general election, where the candidate with the most votes, not necessarily a majority, will be elected.
The Secretary of State’s Office is encouraging voters to check their registration status and party affiliation ahead of the 2026 elections. Registration can be updated at GeauxVote.com, through the GeauxVote Mobile App, or at a registrar or clerk of court office. The office is promoting the “K.N.O.W.” guide: Keep your voter registration current, Not everyone will vote on every race, Only certain offices are affected, and Where to find more information at GeauxVote.com.
