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How to vote in Indiana

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These guides are researched, written, and updated by Democracy Works, a non-partisan 501(c)(3) registered non-profit organization. The information in these guides originates from official state sources and is reviewed by state election offices. The guides also link to authoritative state and local resources to provide additional information.

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Registration Summary

Indiana offers online voter registration. You can register by mail to vote in Indiana by printing a voter registration form, filling it out, and mailing it to your local election office. You can also register to vote in person if you prefer.

Voting Summary

Indiana offers absentee ballots by mail to voters who have an acceptable reason not to vote in person. All other voters are expected to vote in person. Indiana offers early voting.

What are key deadlines for the November 2024 election?

Registration deadlines

Absentee ballot deadlines

Voting deadlines

What key changes should voters know about?

Beginning July 1, you must show proof of residency when registering to vote in person for the first time in Indiana if:
  • You did not include your Indiana driver's license, Indiana state ID number, or the last 4 digits of your social security number on your application
  • Your local election office is not able to validate the ID you used
This is due to a new law in Indiana. Visit the Indiana Secretary of State website or contact your local election office to learn more.

Registration Top Actions

Voting Top Actions

top-actions

Can I register to vote online?

  • Indiana offers online voter registration.
  • To register using the Indiana online voter registration system, you are required to provide the number from your Indiana driver’s license or Indiana identification card issued by the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles. If you don’t have an Indiana-issued driver’s license or identification card, you can still submit a voter registration application by mail or in person.

How can I check the status of my mail ballot?

You can check the status of your ballot on Indiana’s website.

Can I submit voter registration forms by mail?

Use the National Voter Registration Form

  1. Print and fill out the National Voter Registration Form.
  2. Box 6 - ID Number: When submitting your application by mail in Indiana, you are required to provide your Indiana driver’s license number or Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles ID Card number. If you have not been issued one of these ID numbers, you must provide the last four digits of your Social Security number. If you do not have a Social Security number, then a voter ID number will be assigned to you. You should indicate which number you provided or write “none” if you do not have an Indiana driver’s license or Social Security number.
  3. Box 7 - Choice of Party: In Indiana, you do NOT affiliate with a party during voter registration. When voting in a partisan primary election, you must state your party affiliation in order to receive a party ballot. You may only vote for candidates in the party whose ballot you select. If you do not select a party, you may still vote on a public question that is held on the same day as the primary without asking for a party ballot.
  4. Box 8 - Race or Ethnic Group: Leave blank. This information is not required.
  5. Review the "Who can register to vote?" section above and check that you're eligible.
  6. Sign the form.
  7. Send the completed form to your local election office
  8. If you are registering to vote for the first time in your jurisdiction, you must show proof of residency the first time you vote. Acceptable forms of proof of residency documents include: current and valid photo identification or current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck or government document that shows the current name and address you used when registering to vote.

How do election officials keep voting secure?

Election officials in your state and community are working hard to ensure the integrity of our elections. All states have implemented security measures to protect the vote.

Visit the Indiana Election Division website to learn more about election security. If you’re interested in getting involved with elections in your community, contact your local election office to learn about opportunities in your area.

Can I submit voter registration forms in person?

How can I check my voter registration status?

You can look up your voter registration record and verify that your information is correct using Indiana's voter registration lookup tool.

Who can register to vote?

To register in Indiana you must:
  • be a United States citizen
  • be a resident of Indiana
  • have resided in the precinct at least 30 days before the next election
  • be at least 18 years of age on the day of the next general election
  • not currently be imprisoned following a criminal conviction

Can I register to vote on Election Day?

Indiana does not offer registration on Election Day.

Can I register to vote before I turn 18?

You can register to vote in Indiana before you turn 18 if you:
  • are at least 17 years old now and will be 18 on or before your next general or municipal election, which you can find by entering your address here
  • are a United States citizen
  • are a resident of Indiana
  • are not currently in prison after being convicted of a crime
  • have lived in the precinct where you plan to vote for at least 30 days prior to the election

You must be at least 18 years old to vote, except that you may vote in a primary election if you will be 18 years old by the corresponding general, municipal, or special election.
If you have an earlier next general or municipal election listed for your address here, you may only be eligible to register to vote now if you will turn 18 by that date. Contact your state election official to confirm.

Can I submit a voter registration application online before I turn 18?

Yes, you can register online on the Indiana Election Division website.
To register using the Indiana online voter registration system, you are required to provide ONE of the following:
  • Indiana driver's license number
  • Indiana State Identification Card number

If you don’t have an Indiana-issued ID, you can still submit a voter registration application by mail or in person.

Can I submit a voter registration application by mail before I turn 18?

Yes, you can register to vote by mail using this form.
When submitting your application by mail in Indiana, you are required to provide your Indiana driver’s license number or Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles ID Card number. If you have not been issued one of these ID numbers, you must provide the last four digits of your Social Security number. If you have not been issued any of these numbers, check the box that indicates you do not have an ID number.

If you do not include an ID number on your registration application or your name or address does not match the information on your existing Indiana record, you must provide a proof of residency document when registering for the first time. You can include a copy of an acceptable document with your application or you may submit an acceptable document to your local election office at any time on or before Election Day. Your proof of residency document must include the current name and address you used to register to vote. Acceptable forms of proof of residency include:
  • Indiana driver's license or Indiana-issued ID card
  • any current and valid photo ID issued by the US government, State of Indiana, or Native American Indian tribe or band recognized by the United States government
  • current utility bill
  • bank statement
  • government check
  • paycheck
  • other government document

Can I complete a voter registration application in person before I turn 18?

Yes, you can learn more about registering to vote in person on the Indiana Election Division website.
You can complete a voter registration application in person at any of the following public agencies in Indiana:
  • county voter registration office
  • Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) license branch when conducting a credential transaction

You can find a full list of in-person voter registration locations on the Indiana Election Division website.

If you are registering for the first time, your application must include your Indiana driver's license number, Indiana state ID number, or the last four digits of your Social Security number. If you do not include an ID number or if the name and address you use when registering does not match an existing Indiana record, you will need to provide proof of residency. Your proof of residency document must include the current name and address you use to register to vote. Acceptable forms include:
  • Indiana driver's license or Indiana-issued ID card
  • any current and valid photo ID issued by the US government, State of Indiana, or Native American Indian tribe or band recognized by the United States government
  • current utility bill
  • bank statement
  • government check
  • paycheck
  • other government document

How do I vote in person?

Where can I vote on Election Day?

You can look up where to vote on Indiana's site.

Can I vote in-person absentee?

  • Yes, Indiana does offer in-person absentee voting. You can choose whether to vote on Election Day or during the absentee voting period, whichever is easier for you. This can be especially helpful if it would be difficult or not possible for you to vote on Election Day. In-person absentee voting locations may be less crowded, as well.
  • Learn more about in-person absentee voting in Indiana.
  • In-person absentee voting locations may be different from where you vote on Election Day. Check Indiana’s site to find where to vote by in-person absentee.

What do I need to bring?

You will need to show photo ID to vote in Indiana.

Your photo ID must display your name, an expiration date (can be current or expired sometime after November 8, 2022), and be issued by the State of Indiana or the US government.

Acceptable forms include:
  • Indiana driver's license or Indiana-issued photo ID card
  • military ID
  • US Passport
  • student ID from an Indiana State school if it meets the above requirements (student ID from a private institution may not be used for voting purposes)

If you are a first-time voter and you registered by mail or in person, you may need to provide proof of residency when you vote. You will need to provide proof of residency if you didn't include your Indiana driver's license number, state ID number, or the last four digits of your Social Security number in your voter registration application, or if your local election office was not able to validate the ID number you used.

Your proof of residency must show your current name and current address and must match the name and address you used to register to vote. Acceptable forms include:
  • Indiana driver's license or Indiana-issued ID card
  • any current and valid photo ID issued by the US government, State of Indiana, or a Native American Indian tribe or band recognized by the United States government
  • current utility bill
  • bank statement
  • government check
  • paycheck
  • other government document

Voters without ID: If you are unable or unwilling to present ID meeting these requirements, you may cast a provisional ballot. If you cast a provisional ballot, you have until noon 10 days after the election to follow up with the county election board and either provide the necessary documentation or affirm one of the law’s exemptions applies to you.

How can I check the status of my ballot?

You can check the status of your ballot on Indiana’s site.

Can I vote early?

Yes, Indiana does offer early voting, which in Indiana is called in-person absentee voting.
  • You can choose whether to vote on Election Day or during the in-person absentee voting period, whichever is easier for you. This can be especially helpful if it would be difficult or not possible for you to vote on Election Day. Voting locations may be less crowded, as well.

When can I vote early?

Where can I vote early?

  • Early voting locations may be different from where you vote on Election Day. Check Indiana's site to find where to vote early.

What do I need to bring?

You will need to show photo ID to vote in Indiana.

Your photo ID must display your name, an expiration date (can be current or expired sometime after November 8, 2022), and be issued by the State of Indiana or the US government.

Acceptable forms include:
  • Indiana driver's license or Indiana-issued photo ID card
  • military ID
  • US Passport
  • student ID from an Indiana State school if it meets the above requirements (student ID from a private institution may not be used for voting purposes)

If you are a first-time voter and you registered by mail or in person, you may need to provide proof of residency when you vote. You will need to provide proof of residency if you didn't include your Indiana driver's license number, state ID number, or the last four digits of your Social Security number in your voter registration application, or if your local election office was not able to validate the ID number you used.

Your proof of residency must show your current name and current address and must match the name and address you used to register to vote. Acceptable forms include:
  • Indiana driver's license or Indiana-issued ID card
  • any current and valid photo ID issued by the US government, State of Indiana, or a Native American Indian tribe or band recognized by the United States government
  • current utility bill
  • bank statement
  • government check
  • paycheck
  • other government document

Voters without ID: If you are unable or unwilling to present ID meeting these requirements, you may cast a provisional ballot. If you cast a provisional ballot, you have until noon 10 days after the election to follow up with the county election board and either provide the necessary documentation or affirm one of the law’s exemptions applies to you.

How do I vote by mail?

Indiana allows eligible voters to request a mail ballot. All other voters are expected to vote in person. Check to see if you’re eligible to vote by mail on Indiana's site.

How do I get my ballot?

Request your mail-in ballot with a mail ballot application. You can also submit an application online using the Indiana My Voter portal.

What should I do if I don’t get my ballot?

If you don’t receive your ballot in the mail, then contact your local election office.

How do I return my ballot?

What do I need to do if I’ve moved?

What’s on your ballot depends on where you live, so your voter registration is tied to your exact address. If you’ve moved, you need to re-register with your new address.

How do I see what's on my ballot?

View your sample ballot on the Indiana Election Division's website. Available ballot information may vary depending on the upcoming election.

How do I vote if I'm in the military or live overseas?

Active-duty military, their families, and overseas citizens can register to vote and request their absentee ballot using the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA). The FPCA process is done by mail, but your state may offer other options to request and return ballots. Please contact your local election office for more information about delivery and return methods, including email, fax, and state online portals. To follow the FPCA process:
  1. Fill out the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA), or download a copy. Your local election office may have questions, so please provide an email address or phone number where they can reach you.
  2. Send the application to your local election office.
  3. It is never too early to submit an FPCA! Please do so as soon as possible.
  4. Please fill out and send back your ballot as soon as you receive it.
  5. States begin mailing absentee ballots at least 45 days before Election Day. If you haven't received your ballot by 30 days before Election Day, contact your local election office.
If your ballot does not arrive after you submit your FPCA, contact your local election office first. Then:
  • You can still vote using the Federal Write-In Absentee Ballot (FWAB). Print, sign, and mail your FWAB to your local election office.
  • If you mail a FWAB and then receive your regular absentee ballot, you should complete and mail your absentee ballot also. Election officials will ensure that only one ballot is counted.
The Federal Voting Assistance Program offers additional information on military and overseas voting in Indiana. You can also call 1-800-438-VOTE (8683) or email vote@fvap.gov

Which election office should I contact?

  • In Indiana, your local election office runs the elections in your area. They can help you with questions about registering to vote, voting by mail, and local elections.
  • The Election Division oversees elections and election administration in Indiana. They can help you with questions about voting in your state, election security, or issues you might have at the polls. If you have concerns about voter intimidation, reach out immediately.

How do I contact my local election office?

Visit your state’s site to find your local election office.

How do I contact my state election office?