§1302. Definitions

            As used in this Chapter, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the following terms shall have the meanings hereafter ascribed to each:

            (1) "Ballot" means a paper ballot or electronic ballot, where applicable.

            (2) "Board" means the parish board of election supervisors of each parish. If parish board commissioners are utilized by the parish board of election supervisors to count and tabulate absentee by mail and early voting ballots, the term "board" for the purposes of R.S. 18:1306, 1311, 1312, 1313, 1315, and 1316 shall also mean parish board commissioners.

            (3) "Clerk" means the clerk of court of each parish, except that in a parish having both a civil and a criminal sheriff, the word refers to the civil sheriff.

            (4) "Early voting" means the period of time prior to any scheduled election when any person who is qualified to vote may vote in person at a place designated by the registrar as provided in R.S. 18:1309.

            (5) "Election official" means the parish board of election supervisors; clerks and their employees who perform duties in the election process; registrars of voters and their employees; the secretary of state and employees of his office who perform duties in the election process; and the poll commissioners, including the commissioner-in-charge.

            (6) "Federal postcard application" means an application for absentee by mail ballot as permitted by 50 U.S.C. 1464.

            (7) "Registrar" means the registrar of voters of each parish.

            (8) "United States Service" means the following persons, and their spouses and dependents:

            (a) A member of the armed forces while in active service.

            (b) A member of the merchant marine of the United States.

            (c) A civil employee of the United States, in any category, while serving outside the territorial limits of the several states of the United States and the District of Columbia, whether or not the employee is subject to the federal civil service laws and the Classification Act of 1949 and whether or not paid from funds appropriated by congress.

            (d) A member of a religious group or welfare agency assisting members of the armed forces who is officially attached to and serving with the armed forces.

            Acts 1976, No. 697, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1978. Amended by Acts 1980, No. 506, §1, eff. Jan. 1, 1981; Acts 2001, No. 451, §1, eff. Jan. 12, 2004; Acts 2002, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 130, §1, eff. April 23, 2002; Acts 2005, No. 220, §§1, 4, eff. Jan. 1, 2006; Acts 2007, No. 229, §1; Acts 2012, No. 138, §1, eff. May 14, 2012; Acts 2014, No. 60, §1, eff. May 16, 2014; Acts 2016, No. 83, §1.