En español | Indiana only allows some voters, including those age 65 and older, to vote absentee-by-mail. But anyone can cast an absentee ballot in person during an election’s early voting period.
The next statewide election is in 2024, with some cities, including Indianapolis, holding municipal elections in 2023. The primary is Tuesday, May 2 and the general election is Tuesday, Nov. 7.
Essential info:
- Upcoming elections: Information about upcoming statewide elections is available at the secretary of state’s voter portal.
- Absentee voting: Voting absentee-by-mail is only an option for voters who are age 65 and up or who have an approved reason, such as 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 their circuit court clerk’s office or satellite location.
- Voting at the polls: Before you cast your ballot, you’ll need to show a government-issued photo ID.
What do I need to know about the 2023 Mayoral and City Council elections?
Voters will decide races for mayor, city council and other local offices. The primary is Tuesday, May 2, and the general election is Tuesday, Nov. 7. Polls are open between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. local time.
For the primary, early voting began on Monday, April 4. You may vote early in person at your circuit court clerk’s office or satellite office until noon on Monday, May 1. Find extended hours and early voting locations on the county website.
Note that the deadline to register for the municipal primaries has passed.Video Voter Guides
Democratic Primary Candidates for Mayor of Gary
Does my party affiliation matter when I vote in the primaries?
Yes. Under Indiana law, if you wish to cast a ballot in a primary election, you must request a ballot for either Democratic party candidates or Republican party candidates. Only the names of candidates for the party you choose will appear on the ballot.
How do I register to vote?
Register online, by mail or in person:
- Online: Use the state’s online registration portal to register. You must enter your Indiana driver’s license or a state-issued ID card number to begin the online application process.
- By mail: Print a voter registration form, complete it and mail it to your county’s voter registration office or to the Indiana Election Division in Indianapolis. Addresses are listed at the bottom of the form.
- In person: Print and complete a voter registration form, then bring it to your county’s voter registration office or the Indiana Election Division. You also may register at your county clerk’s office, at a Bureau of Motor Vehicles office when obtaining a driver’s license or state ID card, or at a public assistance office.
Check your registration status at Indiana's voter information portal.
How can I get an absentee ballot?
Any registered voter can fill out an absentee ballot in person. But you’ll need to be 65 or older or have another approved reason, such as a disability, observance of a religious holiday or a work obligation, to vote absentee-by-mail.
You’ll need to reapply for a ballot before every election and can do so online, by mail, via email or in person:
- Online: Go to the state’s voter portal, select "Visit My Voter Portal" and follow the prompts for “Vote By Mail.” Include your state driver’s license number or the last four digits of your Social Security number when applying online.
- 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. Bring your application to your circuit court clerk’s office or satellite location listed on the state’s voter portal.
How do I return my absentee ballot?
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, by the deadline listed at the state’s voter portal.
Track the status of your absentee ballot through the portal as well.
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. Times and locations may vary by county. More information will be made available at the voter portal before any upcoming elections.
What do I need to know about voting at the polls on Election Day?
Use the state’s voter portal or contact your county election board 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.
Have there been any recent changes to voting?
The state’s 2021 redistricting plan has redrawn certain boundaries of state legislative and U.S. congressional districts.
Editor’s note: This guide was updated on April 11, 2023, with information about Indiana's municipal elections. 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