How to Vote in Indiana's 2022 Elections

En español | Indiana’s Nov. 8 general election will decide races for the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, state legislature and other municipal offices. The state’s primary was May 3.

Essential info:

• Absentee voting: Voting absentee-by-mail is only an option for voters who are age 65 and up or who have an approved reason, like a disability or a work obligation.

• Early in-person voting: All registered voters can vote early and in person by filling out an absentee ballot at an early voting site. Early in-person voting runs from Oct. 12 through Nov. 7 at noon for the general election.   

• In-person voting on Election Day: Indiana’s general election is Tuesday, Nov. 8. Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

What’s new this year?

The state’s recent redistricting plan has redrawn certain boundaries of state legislative and U.S. congressional districts. These changes may alter the candidates that appear on your ballot.

Also, a new law requires voters to provide their Indiana driver’s license number or the last four digits of their Social Security number when they apply online for an absentee ballot. 

What races are on the ballot and who's running?

• U.S. Senate: Thomas McDermott (D), incumbent Sen. Todd Young (R)
• U.S. House: nine seats
• State Senate: 25 of 50 seats
• State House: all 100 seats
• Other municipal races, including county auditor and county sheriff 
  

How do I register to vote?

• Online: Use the state’s online registration portal to register or check your registration status. You’ll need an Indiana driver’s license or a state-issued ID card. The deadline to register online is Oct. 11 at midnight.

• By mail: Print a voter registration form, complete it and mail it to your county’s voter registration office. Addresses are listed at the bottom of the form. Forms must be postmarked by Oct. 11.

• In person: Print a voter registration form and drop it off at your county’s voter registration office or at the Indiana Election Division in Indianapolis by close of business Oct. 11. You can also pick up a form and complete it at your county voter registration office or when you’re obtaining a driver’s license, state-issued ID card or when applying for aid from a public assistance office.

Check if you’re registered to vote or update your voter information through the Indiana voter services and information portal. The deadline to update your voter information is Oct. 11.

How can I get a mail-in or absentee ballot? Are there important deadlines?

Any registered voter can fill out an absentee ballot in person, but you’ll need to have an approved reason to vote absentee-by-mail, such as a disability, observance of a religious holiday or a work obligation. Voters age 65 and older can also vote absentee-by-mail. A full list of acceptable reasons for voting absentee-by-mail is on the secretary of state’s website.

You’ll need to reapply for a ballot before every election and can do so online, by mail, via email or in person:

• Online: Log in to the state’s voter portal, following the prompts for “ABS-Mail” and “Vote By Mail.” You will need to provide your state driver’s license number or the last four digits of your Social Security number when applying online for an absentee ballot.
  

• By mail: Print and complete an absentee ballot application posted to the state’s voter portal. Mail it to your county elections office listed at the bottom of the application.

• Via email: Print and complete an absentee ballot application. Then sign it, scan or photograph it and email it to the Indiana Election Division at elections@iec.in.gov.  

• In person: Print and complete an absentee ballot application. Take the application to your circuit court clerk’s office or satellite location listed on the state’s voter information portal.

The deadline to apply for an absentee ballot is Oct. 27 at 11:59 p.m. for the general election. 

After applying, and once you’re approved, you’ll receive an absentee ballot in the mail.  

Election officials must receive your completed ballot in the mail by 6 p.m. on Election Day. To return your ballot, seal it in the ballot envelope that was sent to you, sign the envelope on the signature line and place it in the mail, no postage necessary.

Track the status of your absentee ballot through the state’s voter information portal.

Can I vote in person before Election Day?

Yes, any Indiana voter can fill out an absentee ballot in person at their circuit court clerk’s office or satellite location from Oct. 12 through Nov. 7 at noon. Times and locations, which vary by county, will be posted to the state’s voter information portal closer to Election Day.

When is Election Day? When are polls open?

The general election is Tuesday, Nov. 8. Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Use the state’s voter information portal to find a polling place near you.

Do I need identification to vote?

Yes, you’ll need to present a government-issued photo ID before you cast a ballot, unless you have a religious objection to being photographed or live in a state-licensed facility that also serves as your polling place, like a nursing home. The secretary of state’s website has more information about how to claim photo ID exemption.

Editor’s note: This guide was updated on July 1 with information about voting in the general election. The guide was first published on July 28, 2020.

Also of Interest:

• Follow AARP's political coverage at aarp.org/elections  
• Keep up with local events and AARP advocacy efforts at states.aarp.org/indiana