The 2022 midterm election is approaching on Nov. 8, but that doesn’t mean you have to wait until then to cast a ballot. Here’s more information about the where, when and how of voting in the general election.
Get registered
The deadline to register is Oct. 11, and early voting begins the day after. To check whether you’re registered or to submit a new registration, you can visit the Indiana Voter Portal.
If you are registering, you’ll need an Indiana driver’s license or ID card number. Only people who have lived in their current precinct for at least 30 days prior to the election will be able to cast a ballot in that location.
Voters must be at least 18 on election day, which means 17-year-olds can register if their birthday falls on or before Nov. 8.
A sample ballot for the Bloomington 1 district.
Where and when
Election day officially is the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November – which this year is Nov. 8. Voting centers are open election day from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. If you vote on election day, you’ll need to find your polling place.
Indiana law requires all voters to bring a non-expired photo ID either issued by the State of Indiana or the federal government. That could be an Indiana driver's license, U.S. passport, or military ID. Students may use a university ID if it meets certain criteria.
Early voting is also an option. Monroe County residents can cast an early ballot in person at Election Operations, 302 S. Walnut St. at the following dates and times:
Oct 12 - Oct 14
8:00 am - 6 pm
Oct 17 - Oct 21
8:00 am - 6 pm
Oct 24 - Oct 28
8:00 am - 6 pm
Oct 29
9:00 am - 4 pm
Oct 31 - Nov 4
8:00 am - 6 pm
Nov 5
9:00 am - 4 pm
Nov 7
8:00 am - 12 pm
Voting by mail
Absentee voters in Indiana are required by law to list a specific reason they’ll be unable to vote in person when applying for a mail-in ballot. Those reasons include being at work while polls are open, being over 65 or having a disability, among others.
The deadline to register for an absentee ballot is Oct. 27. Mail ballots must be received by the county by 6 p.m. Nov. 7. If you are casting a vote overseas, your ballot has to be postmarked by Nov. 8 and received no later than noon on Nov. 18.
Voters with disabilities
Voters with disabilities are eligible to cast a mail-in ballot. If you have a mobility issues, you can have a friend, relative or poll worker assist you with in-person voting
People with disabilities can contact Indiana Disability Rights if you encounter obstacles casting a ballot, or by calling 866-IN1-VOTE. Fraud and grievance forms are also available here.
Your voting rights (and wrongs)
The Indiana Voter’s Bill of Rights (available in English and Spanish) enumerates the requirements and rights of voters in Indiana.
Just because your name and address don’t match what’s currently listed in the rolls doesn’t mean you are ineligible to vote. Recent moves and name changes can cause these discrepancies, but they don’t necessarily disqualify you.
However, Indiana voters can be turned away for “electioneering,” which can mean displaying campaign apparel, signs or literature at a polling site.
It is federally illegal to “intimidate” voters, like posting armed guards or questioning people in a threatening way. Still, open carry of firearms is legal in most places across Indiana, including many election sites.
For the latest election news and information, visit the Indiana Public Media election page.
