Louisiana Ballot Selfie Laws: Is Taking a Photo of Your Ballot Illegal?

The day is finally here! We’ve all been bombarded with nonstop text messages, non-stop flyers, and constant reminders telling us to vote a certain way. I feel like I speak for all of us when I say we are all completely sick and tired of the endless political campaign noise, right? But despite all the madness, it is time to make our voices heard.

Before you grab your keys and head out to the polls today, there are a few very important details you need to know. First and foremost: honestly, your phone should probably just stay in the car.

Did you know that taking photos with your ballot, commonly known as "ballot selfies", is completely illegal in Louisiana? You will even notice signs posted at polling locations explicitly warning voters against taking pictures inside. Neighboring Texas goes a step further under a state law that bans the use of cell phones, cameras, and other wireless communication devices altogether in the exact room where voting takes place.

Rules on "ballot selfies" vary across the nation, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), which notes that 17 states currently have laws specifically addressing whether voters can take photos of or with their ballots.

In Alabama, for example, voters are allowed to snap a photo of their own ballot as long as they do not show the choices of another voter or cause a disruption in the voting process.

In Louisiana, however, capturing a picture with your ballot while standing in the voting booth is an outright ban.

Beyond phone rules, make sure to bring a valid photo ID (like your driver's license, LA Wallet digital ID, or military ID) to present at check-in.

Either way, it is a beautiful day to celebrate America and exercise your right to vote! Go out there, take your time in the booth, and make a real difference. In Louisiana, Election Day polls are open until 8:00 PM CST, and as long as you are standing in line by 8:00 PM, you are legally entitled to cast your vote.