Louisiana residents will can cast an early vote in the gubernatorial primary election beginning Saturday, Sept. 30, and continuing through Oct. 7 with the exception of Sunday, Oct. 1.

Early voting is a process that allows residents to cast their ballots before the gubernatorial primary election on Oct. 14. Any registered voter can cast an early ballot.

Early voting can help accommodate individuals with busy schedules, work commitments or personal obligations that may prevent them from voting in the primary. 

For many, early voting is simply more convenient. 

“As a student, my schedule can be unpredictable, and I may have classes or other things to do on Election Day,” said political science major Makenna Hartzell. “Early voting allows me to plan ahead and make sure I don’t miss the opportunity.”

Casting an early vote can also alleviate poll congestion on the official voting day. Long lines and overcrowded polling stations can be deterrents for potential voters. 

“It just feels good to get it out the way,”  said pre-medicine freshman Sydney Nelson. “I don’t have to worry about it in the future.”

Because early voting allows voters to cast their ballots ahead of time, it also reduces the risk of missing out on voting due to last-minute emergencies, illness or unexpected events that might arise. 

The deadline to register to vote in person or by mail was on Sept. 13, and the deadline to register to vote online passed on Sept. 23. 

Voting locations for East Baton Rouge residents include:

• The Motor Vehicle Building at 2250 Main St.
• The Fire Station Building at 11010 Coursey Blvd.
• The Louisiana State Archives Building at 3851 Essen Lane
• The Central Branch Library at 11260 Joor Road
• Baton Rouge City Hall at 222 St. Louis St., Room 607.

More information about the gubernatorial election can be found at the Louisiana secretary of state website. 

Correction: This article was updated to correct the date of the Sunday on which early voting will not occur.