What’s on the Ballot? Shreveport and Caddo Parish May 2026 Election Guide

Voters in Caddo and Bossier Parishes will head to the polls this Saturday, May 16, to decide on several critical statewide constitutional amendments that could reshape state employment, education funding, and judicial standards.

The United States Senate race is also on the ballot. But it is a closed primary so Democrats can only get the Democratic ballot and Republicans will get the Republican ballot. "No Party" voters will have to make a declaration at the polls to decide which ballot they want.

The Congressional races are on the ballot, but those votes will not be counted since those races have been suspended while lawmakers work to draw new district lines.

Some key items on the ballot are five proposed amendments to the Louisiana Constitution. Amendment 1 seeks to grant the State Legislature expanded authority over the civil service system. If approved, lawmakers would have the power to designate more state positions as "unclassified," moving them from protected status to at-will employment.

Education funding is also a major theme. Amendment 3 proposes a restructuring of the state’s financial priorities to fund pay raises for educators. The measure would repeal three existing education trust funds—including the Millennium Trust and the Louisiana Education Quality Trust Fund—to pay down debts within the Teachers' Retirement System of Louisiana. This maneuver is designed to trigger a $2,250 raise for teachers and a $1,125 raise for school support staff. Relatedly, Amendment 2 would formally recognize the St. George Community School System in East Baton Rouge Parish as its own parish-equivalent district for funding purposes.

Economic policy and judicial requirements round out the statewide list. Amendment 4 would allow local parish governments to exempt business inventory from property taxes, a move supporters suggest could attract more commercial investment. Meanwhile, Amendment 5 addresses the state’s judiciary, proposing to raise the mandatory retirement age for judges from 70 to 75.

Locally, residents in specific areas will face targeted tax and fee decisions. In Caddo Parish Fire District Number Five, voters will decide on a new annual service charge not to exceed $50 for residential and commercial structures. This revenue is earmarked for fire protection and emergency medical services over the next ten years. Notably, property annexed by the City of Shreveport prior to the election would be excluded from this charge.

Polls will be open Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Voters are encouraged to bring a valid photo ID.