As Election Day for the Midterms approaches, Shreveport-Bossier residents are in a unique position. Current Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, is up for re-election in Louisiana’s 4th Congressional District. The Speaker of the House holds authority over the activities of the House of Representatives. Johnson’s presence on the ballot grants voters in Louisiana the ability to decide whether he remains presiding over the House or is removed from his position as Representative entirely. Also on the ballot for the upcoming Midterms in Louisiana are a Senate position and 10 proposed amendments to the Louisiana Constitution. Here is how you can learn what’s on your ballot, become an informed voter, and find your polling location for Election Day on November 3rd.

For the open House position in the 4th Congressional District, there are four other candidates challenging incumbent Mike Johnson [3]. Johnson was elected to the seat in 2017 and has held the role of Speaker of the House since 2023. He is being opposed by first-generation farmer from north Louisiana Conrad Gable (D) [4], Shreveport educator Matt Gromlich (D) [5], anti-Trump Republican Gordon Heslop (R) [6], and fourth-generation Louisianan Mike Nichols (R) [7].

The race for Senate in Louisiana is drawn up between Democratic candidate Jamie Davis [8] and Republican candidate Julia Letlow [9]. Current U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy lost re-nomination in May. The races being held for all congressional changes have a greater impact on citizens’ lives than a lot of people realize. Congress is currently functioning under a conservative supermajority, meaning Republicans hold majority seats in both the House and the Senate. The upcoming elections hold a level of significance for both parties. Republicans seek to maintain their majorities in Congress, while Democrats aim to recover seats and potentially shift the balance in power.

The 10 proposed amendments [10] to the Louisiana Constitution range from tax exemptions to revisions of governor’s term limits. The passage of these amendments constitutes a permanent alteration to the highest law of Louisiana, so their importance should be taken into the consideration of voters.

While early voting has already begun, Election Day for the Louisiana Midterms is on November 3rd. Election day polls open at 6am and close at 8pm, and you can find your polling location on the Louisiana Voter Portal [11]. There are multiple ways to see what will be on your ballot when you go to the polls. If you have your Parish, Ward, and Precinct information, then you can also find your sample ballot via the Louisiana Voter Portal [12]. If you would rather search by your address, then Ballotpedia [13] would be a more convenient option. The Ballotpedia website also offers some insight into the background of different candidates on your ballot, when available.

Before heading to the polls on November 3rd, voters should look into the candidates and proposed amendments and validate their polling location.