Withdraw from an Election

Any candidate who wishes to withdraw their candidacy may file a notice of withdrawal before the deadline enacted by Act 410 of the 2015 Regular Session.

For a primary election, the withdrawal deadline is 4:30 p.m. on the seventh day after the close of the qualifying period. 

For a general election, the withdrawal deadline is 4:30 p.m. on the ninth day after the date of the primary election.

Notwithstanding the deadlines listed above, if there are only two candidates remaining in a primary or general election for a public office, the secretary of state shall accept a notice of withdrawal if filed prior to 4:30 pm on the second day prior to the election as stipulated by Act 657 of the 2018 Regular Session.

A notice of withdrawal is effective when the signed and notarized original is filed with the secretary of state. Any withdrawal that is not filed timely will be returned to the candidate and the candidate's name will remain on the ballot and all votes will be counted. 

The original, signed and notarized form may be hand-delivered or mailed to:

Secretary of State
Elections Business
8585 Archives Ave.
Baton Rouge, LA 70809

Faxed copies and photocopies are not accepted.