Baton Rouge, LA – On March 29, Louisiana voters will have another opportunity to reshape their state constitution by deciding on four proposed amendments. However, with historically low voter turnout in special elections—only 9.5% of eligible voters in the capital region cast a ballot in the February 15 special election—the question isn’t just how the amendments will impact the state, but whether enough voters will participate to make their voices heard.
Since the Louisiana Constitution was ratified in 1974, voters have approved 220 amendments, a stark contrast to the U.S. Constitution’s 27 amendments over more than 200 years. This pattern of frequent constitutional changes underscores the importance of each vote, as Louisiana’s governing framework continues to evolve at an accelerated pace.
What’s on the Ballot?
The four proposed amendments cover a range of topics, from the judicial system to taxation and government budgeting. While some proposals aim to modernize existing policies, others raise concerns over unintended consequences.
Amendment 1: Expanded Judicial Authority and Specialty Courts
- Grants the Louisiana Supreme Court authority to discipline out-of-state lawyers practicing in Louisiana.
- Allows the legislature to establish specialized trial courts beyond parish and district boundaries.
Arguments for: Supporters argue this ensures greater accountability for out-of-state attorneys and expands access to specialized courts, such as business or drug courts.
Arguments against: Critics warn this could lead to unnecessary judicial expansion and increase government spending without clear guidelines.
Amendment 2: Massive Overhaul of Louisiana’s Tax System
- Lowers the maximum income tax rate while increasing deductions for seniors.
- Increases the state sales tax to 5%, raising Louisiana’s already high sales tax burden.
- Eliminates key education trust funds, reallocating $2 billion to teacher pension debt and making a permanent teacher pay raise.
- Reduces business inventory taxes and cuts corporate franchise taxes.
Arguments for: Proponents claim this simplifies Louisiana’s tax system, makes the state more competitive, and provides permanent teacher salary increases.
Arguments against: Opponents argue this tax shift benefits the wealthiest taxpayers and corporations while increasing sales taxes that disproportionately impact low-income Louisianans.
Amendment 3: Expanding Adult Prosecution of Juveniles
- Removes the current constitutional list of felony crimes for which juveniles under 17 can be tried as adults.
- Allows legislators to expand the list of juvenile crimes without requiring voter approval.
Arguments for: Supporters argue this gives lawmakers flexibility to add crimes like carjacking and fentanyl distribution to the list.
Arguments against: Opponents caution that sending more juveniles to adult prison could increase recidivism and incarceration rates, making communities less safe.
Amendment 4: Speeding Up Special Elections for Judicial Vacancies
- Aligns judicial special elections with gubernatorial or congressional election dates to fill vacancies more efficiently.
Arguments for: This ensures judicial vacancies are filled promptly, avoiding unnecessary delays and extra election costs.
Arguments against: Some argue that waiting for the next major election could leave key judicial positions unfilled for too long.
Why Turnout Matters
While these amendments will shape Louisiana’s governance, the real challenge is getting voters to the polls. The February 15 special election saw only 9.5% turnout in the capital region, an alarmingly low number for decisions that could impact taxation, criminal justice, and judicial oversight for years to come.
“Elections like these determine how the state operates on fundamental levels,” said Steven Procopio of the Public Affairs Research Council (PAR), a nonpartisan group helping voters understand the amendments. “If voters don’t participate, decisions get made by a very small percentage of the population.”
Jan Moller, executive director of Invest in Louisiana, expressed concerns about Amendment 2, arguing that its ballot language is misleading and voters need more time to understand the implications.
“There are a lot of things in this amendment that aren’t mentioned in the ballot language,” Moller said. “Rewriting the longest, most complicated section of the Constitution shouldn’t be rushed.”
Meanwhile, a lawsuit has been filed against the state challenging Amendment 2, calling it an unlawful attempt to rewrite tax policy in a way that benefits corporations and the wealthy while increasing costs for working families.
What You Can Do
- Early voting runs from March 15-22
- Election Day is March 29
Louisiana’s constitutional amendments directly impact taxation, education funding, and criminal justice laws—decisions that will affect residents for years to come. Low turnout elections mean that a small, motivated group of voters will have an outsized influence on these amendments.
If you care about how tax dollars are spent, whether juveniles should face adult prosecution, or how Louisiana’s courts operate, your vote matters. Don’t let a small fraction of voters make these decisions for the entire state. Turn out, be informed, and make your voice heard.
