News Summary

On August 26, 2025, Louisiana showcased new voting technology by Hart InterCivic in a public demonstration. With outdated machines needing replacement, the event aimed to familiarize voters and officials with the upcoming voting system for the 2026 elections. Concerns were raised about the complexity of the multi-machine setup, but further demonstrations are planned to explore options from various vendors as the state navigates its voting technology overhaul amidst political challenges.

Louisiana Hosts Public Demonstration for New Voting Machines Amid Ongoing Certification Process

BATON ROUGE, LA – On August 26, 2025, Louisiana Secretary of State Nancy Landry conducted a public demonstration of new voting technology developed by Texas-based Hart InterCivic at the Old Governor’s Mansion. This event is part of Louisiana’s initiative to upgrade its voting machines, many of which are outdated and beyond repair.

Attending the demonstration were parish clerks, registrars of voters, and members of the public who had the opportunity to test the new technology that is expected to be implemented for the upcoming 2026 congressional midterm elections. The featured Harold InterCivic Verity Vanguard 2.0 system recently received federal certification and operates using a three-machine setup for voting.

The voting system comprises a check-in machine that generates a “voter pass” equipped with a QR code, an electronic ballot-marking device, and a high-speed optical scanner used for both casting and tabulating ballots. Remarkably, the scanners have the capability to read both machine-marked and hand-marked paper ballots while ensuring security by operating independently from the internet and incorporating various tamper-prevention features.

Concerns and Further Demonstrations

Despite the advancements, concerns about the complexity and spatial requirements of the multi-machine voting system were raised by Ascension Parish Clerk of Court Bridget Hanna. She highlighted that these complexities may pose challenges, particularly for older election commissioners.

In addition to this demonstration, the state plans to host five more public demonstrations featuring competing vendors including Clear Ballot, Election Systems & Software, Democracy Live, Dominion Voting Systems, and VotingWorks. These events will take place from September 9 through September 18, 2025. Vendor participation is contingent on obtaining the necessary certifications for their machines before they can bid for a long-overdue state contract to replace Louisiana’s voting machines, some of which have been in service for over 35 years.

Historical Context and Future Plans

Louisiana’s journey to replace its voting machines has been marred with political controversies and difficulties during the certification and procurement processes. Historical attempts to secure contracts frequently fell through due to accusations of unfair bidding practices and political pressures arising from unsubstantiated allegations of election fraud.

Secretary of State Nancy Landry has set a goal to finalize a contract for a pilot voting system by the end of the year, although this depends on the procurement process, as well as input from legislators. The necessity for new machines is growing, particularly as the state positions itself for the next election cycle.

Entering the conversation on voting methods, former President Trump has recently announced intentions to eliminate voting machines and mail-in voting, which may further complicate Louisiana’s ongoing procurement efforts. This political backdrop could influence the implementation of new voting technologies as the state navigates the challenges that lie ahead.

As Louisiana moves forward, the effectiveness of these public demonstrations and the eventual decision on which technology will be adopted remains crucial for ensuring a smooth electoral process in the state.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• Louisiana Illuminator
• NOLA.com
• Business Report
• KALB
• WBRZ
• Wikipedia: Voting machine
• Google Search: Louisiana voting machines
• Google Scholar: Louisiana voting machines
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Voting mechanisms
• Google News: Louisiana voting machines

Author: STAFF HERE NEWORLEANS WRITER

NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER The NEW ORLEANS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENewOrleans.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in New Orleans, Orleans Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as French Quarter Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and Essence Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the New Orleans Chamber of Commerce and Greater New Orleans, Inc., plus leading businesses in energy, healthcare, and education that power the local economy such as Entergy, Ochsner Health, and Tulane University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREShreveport.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.