Louisiana is moving from an open primary to a closed party system for the May 16 primary, raising questions from voters about the process. The change was endorsed by Governor Jeff Landry and passed by the legislature in a 2025 special session. Registered Democrats can only vote for Democratic candidates in the closed system, while registered Republicans can vote for Republican candidates. Dillard University political analyst Dr. Robert Collins said that if you are a no-party voter, you must choose between the two options. The legislature may revert to the jungle system as soon as next year. The in-person deadline for changing party affiliation or registering as a new voter is April 15. The general election, with both parties on the ballot, is on Nov.