Polling Places, Voter Information and How to Register for Election Day 2012 in Lake Charles

In November, we'll elect our next U.S. president.  In December, we'll pick our next U.S. congressman.  It's important that your voice be heard.  But just how do you go about registering and getting ready for the election?  We can help you with that:

FIRST OFF -- REGISTER!

Registering to vote in Louisiana is easier than ever now, thanks to the La. Secretary of State's website.  Register online! Make sure you have your driver's license, Social Security number and other important documents ready.  If you need more information on all of this, there's even a mobile app you can use on your iPhone or Android.  If you're in Calcasieu Parish, here's how to get to the Registrar of Voters office.

What do I need to register?

• You need to be a U.S. citizen and at least 18 years of age.
• Social Security number.
• Mom's maiden name.
• Driver's license number.
• Place of birth.
• Address, date of birth, and any addresses where you may have previously been registered to vote.

IMPORTANT ELECTION DATES

There are two elections left before the end of the year -- one on November 6, where we'll elect the next president, and one on December 8, where we'll pick our next U.S. congressman.  If you haven't registered to vote, please register for the November election.  But if you can't make that date, you'll still have time to get registered for December.

• Last day to register to vote in the November election -- October 19.
• Early and Absentee Voting for November election -- October 23-30.  (You don't need a reason to vote early or absentee. Any registered voter is welcome.)
• Election Day for President and for Congressional Primary -- November 6.
• Last Day to register to vote in the December election -- November 7.
• Early and Absentee Voting for December election -- November 21 - December 1.
• Election Day for Congressional Runoff (if needed) -- December 8.

Where do I go to Early or absentee Vote?

In Calcasieu Parish, there are three locations you can go to -- doesn't matter which one.  You can early vote from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on every day of the early voting period except for Sundays:

1. Calcasieu Parish Registrar of Voters Office:  Parish Courthouse, 100 Ryan St, Room 7, Lake Charles.
2. West Calcasieu Business Center:  500 N. Huntington St., Sulphur.
3. Moss Bluff Library:  261 Parish Rd., Moss Bluff.

WHAT'S ON THE BALLOT?

It's not the easiest thing in the world to use, but this page at the La. Secretary of State's website could give you an idea of what will be on the ballot. 

Remember that the state's GeauxVote.com is your main resource for voting information, if you have more questions, but it's kind of confusing.  We recommend calling the Registrar of Voters office in Calcasieu Parish at (337) 721-4000 if you have a difficult question.

Where's My POLLING LOCATION?

There are over 120 voting precincts in Calcasieu Parish, so don't feel bad if you're not entirely sure which is yours. We've got some help, however.  If you know which precinct is yours, we can tell you where that polling location is.  In the search box on the right, simply enter your town, and you'll get a full list of polling locations.