It is that time of the year again. Are you registered to vote?
According to Indiana Secretary of State, Hoosiers who are registered have the right to cast their vote come November if they meet the following criteria: They are both a U.S. citizen and a resident of Indiana, at least 18 years old, not currently in prison after being convicted of a crime and have lived in the precinct where they vote for at least 30 days prior to the election.
As election day draws near, The Recorder wants to make sure Hoosiers have all the information they need to get to the polls.
How to get registered
Indiana residents with a valid driver’s license or an Indiana state-issued ID card can submit a new voter registration application or update an existing record online at indianavoters.com. Hoosiers can also use this website to validate their voter registration status, find a polling location and county contact information, view their provisional ballot status information and determine “Who’s on My Ballot?” for an upcoming election.
In-person and mail voter registration require the Voter Registration Form (En Español) to be completed and returned to a county voter registration office or the Indiana Election Division on or before April 8, 2024, for the 2024 Primary Election and on or before October 7, 2024 for the 2024 General Election. The only versions of the state voter registration accepted by county voter registration offices are VRG-7 and VRG-11.
The Federal Voter Registration form, which can be found at usa.gov/register-to-vote, is also a valid form for use in Indiana.
Hoosiers can also apply at the voter registration or county clerk’s office in person, at the BMV license branch when obtaining a driver’s license, permit or ID card and at a public assistance office when applying for service assistance.
Early voting in Marion County
In Marion County, registered voters can cast their ballot in-person at early voting locations with a valid photo ID. After ratification, the Marion County Election Board makes sample ballots available approximately 30 days prior to election day.
The Indianapolis City-County Council building acts as an early voting location for Marion County voters from Oct. 8 to Nov. 4, 2024. From Oct. 26 to Nov. 3, 2024, early voting centers include Decatur Township Government Center, Franklin Township Government Center, International Marketplace Coalition, MSD Lawrence Education & Community Center, Perry Township Government Center, St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, Thatcher Park Community Center and Warren Township Government Center.
For more information about early voting days, times and locations, visit indianavoters.in.gov.
Absentee ballots
Indiana residents who wish to vote absentee-by-mail must file an application prior to each election using form ABS-Mail (En Espanol). The application must be received before midnight 12 days prior to election day.
Absentee-by-mail voters must make their ballots and sign their name to the completed ballot security envelope, as well as have a valid reason to request an absentee-by-mail ballot.
Acceptable reasons include, but are not limited to, having a disability, being at least 65 years of age, having official election duties outside of your voting precinct, being confined due to an illness or injury during all 12 polling hours, prevention from voting due to religious disciple or holiday during all 12 polling hours, being a member or the military or public safety officer.
In-person absentee voting will be available in all Indiana counties for 28 days prior to election day. All counties will also have in-person absentee voting available for the two Saturdays before election day. To find absentee-in-person and early voting dates and locations, visit indianavoters.com.
The deadline to request an absentee ballot is Oct. 24, 2024.
Where to vote in Marion County
Marion County voters can vote at any of the official polling locations in Indianapolis on election day. However, to find a polling location closest to you, visit vote.indy.gov/#vote-centers to find a location on the interactive map or download a list of polling locations. Registered voters may also visit indianavoters.com and click on “Find My Polling Location.”
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024. Polling locations will be open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST. A valid photo ID is required for in-person voting, early and on election day. For more information, visit indianavoters.in.gov/.
Contact Arts & Culture Reporter Chloe McGowan at 317-762-7848. Follow her on X @chloe_mcgowanxx. For more news from the Indianapolis Recorder, visit our homepage.
Chloe McGowan is the Arts & Culture Reporter for the Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper. Originally from Columbus, OH, Chloe graduated with a degree in journalism from The Ohio State University. She is a former IndyStar Pulliam Fellow, and her previous work includes freelancing for Indy Maven, Assistant Arts & Life Editor for The Lantern, and editorial assistant at CityScene Media Group. Chloe enjoys covering all things arts and culture — from local music, visual art, dance, theater and film, as well as minority-owned businesses. In her free time, Chloe enjoys reading, cooking and keeping her plants alive.