Louisiana voters reject all 5 constitutional amendments in May election
BATON ROUGE, La. (WVLA) — Voters in Louisiana rejected all five constitutional amendments in Saturday’s election.
Here’s what you need to know about each of the constitutional amendments.
Proposed Amendment No. 1: FAIL
The ballot paper said: Do you support an amendment that would allow the legislature to remove or add officers, positions and employees to the unclassified state civil service? (Replaces Article X, Section 2(B))
The Louisiana Public Affairs Research (PAR) Council said a vote against it would continue current provisions requiring Civil Service Commission approval to exempt government jobs from the civil service system and its protections. Click here To see PAR’s full guide.
Proposed Amendment No. 2: FAIL
How does it read on the ballot?: Purposes related to the minimum preparatory program are defined in Chapter VIII of the Louisiana Constitution, including the funding of certain school books and instructional materials and the raising of certain local revenues for the support of elementary and secondary schools. St., East Baton Rouge Parish, under Section 13 of the article. Do you support an amendment to give the St. George community school system the same authority given to districts? (Article VIII amends Section 13(D)(1))
Voters reject constitutional amendment, St. It means schools in George City will remain in the East Baton Rouge Parish School System. Click here To see PAR’s full guide.
Read a statement from EBR Schools Superintendent LaMont Cole:
“Tonight’s outcome reflects the will of the voters, and I believe our community takes this decision very seriously. No matter where people stand on Amendment Two, one thing is clear: The citizens of Baton Rouge care deeply about accountability, stability, and the future of public education.”
“My focus as superintendent remains on bringing people together and working to improve outcomes for every student in our district. This is not a moment of division or celebration at anyone’s expense, but an opportunity to listen, reflect, and move forward in a way that keeps students at the center of every decision we make.”
“I am committed to working with educators, families, community leaders, and policymakers to ensure that our schools continue to move in positive directions and that every child has the supports and opportunities they deserve.”
Proposed Amendment No. 3: FAIL
How does it read on the ballot?: Do you support an amendment that would fund a $2,250 teacher pay raise and a $1,125 support staff pay raise using savings remaining from paying off the Louisiana Teachers’ Retirement System’s debt with moneys from certain constitutional funds? (Effective January 1, 2027) (Article VII amends Sections 10.8(A)(1), (2) and (4), (B) and (C)(1); Article VII adds Section 10.17; Article VII repeals Sections 10(F)(4)(d), 10.1, 10.8(A)(3) and (C)(3), and 10.16(A)(9))
PAR said votes against it would maintain education trust funds and continue distributing investment earnings for early childhood education, K-12 schools and university programs. Click here To see PAR’s full guide.
Proposed Amendment No. 4: FAIL
How does it read on the ballot?: Do you support an amendment that would allow a district to reduce or exempt property taxes on properties held as commercial inventory and provide for the classification of Public Service Properties? (Article VII amends Sections 10.15(F)(1) and 18(A) and (B; Article VII adds Sections 20.1, 20.2, and 21(P)))
According to PAR, the failure of the constitutional amendment means that the current system of local governments collecting property taxes on business stocks will continue. Click here To see PAR’s full guide.
Proposed Amendment No. 5: FAIL
How does it read on the ballot?: Do you support the amendment to increase the mandatory retirement age for judges from seventy to seventy-five, provided that judges can continue to serve until they complete their term? (Replaces Article V, Section 23(B)
Following the failure of the constitutional amendment, the mandatory retirement age for judges will remain at 70. Click here To see PAR’s full guide.
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