Voting Hours Legislation Passes Louisiana House

A bill that would shorten poll hours on most election days is now on its way to the Louisiana Senate.

Currently, poll hours run from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. But Rep. Franklin Foil wants to push back the opening of polls to 7 a.m. for Saturday elections. Foil says the state offers enough early voting days for people to access the polls despite their work schedules. The legislation would also shorten the work days for poll workers.

Opponents said the change could limit voting opportunities for people, like shift workers who have 12-hour work days.

The Louisiana House approved the bill by a 59-41 vote Wednesday.