NEW ORLEANS – The ACLU of Louisiana today condemned the Louisiana Secretary of State’s proposed rollback of absentee voting eligibility in the emergency election plan submitted today. 

“This plan forces voters to choose between risking their health and relinquishing their fundamental right to vote,” said Alanah Odoms Hebert, ACLU of Louisiana executive director. “Ahead of an election that will see record turnout, Louisiana officials must ensure voters’ safety during the COVID-19 pandemic without jeopardizing their ability to make their voices heard at the ballot. We urge state legislators to adopt an emergency election plan that makes it as easy as possible for all Louisianans to submit absentee ballots, while also preserving safe in-person voting options that allow for social distancing.”

The Secretary of State’s emergency election plan will be considered by the House and Government Affairs Committee on Wednesday.