When people say “Election Day,” my mind goes straight to November. Historically, many more people show up to vote at general elections in November. But primary elections make a real difference.
During Indiana’s primary election on May 5, you’ll pick your political party and vote for that party’s candidates who will advance to the November general election.
If you usually vote a straight ticket in the general election, the primary is when you can decide which of your party’s candidates align the most with your values.
Here’s what you need to know before you head to the polls on May 5.
Are you registered to vote?
The deadline to register for this year’s primary election is April 6. You can register to vote or check your registration online at indianavoters.in.gov. If you moved this year or changed your name, you have to update your voter registration.
To be eligible to vote in Indiana, you have to fulfill these five requirements:
- You are both an Indiana citizen and a U.S. citizen.
- You’ll be at least 18 before the general election on Nov. 3.
- You aren’t in prison or jail after being convicted of a crime. (You can vote after being released.)
- You have lived in the voting district you’re registered in for at least 30 days.
- You are registered to vote.
Three ways you can vote in the primary election
You can vote early starting April 7 at the City-County Building, 200 E. Washington St. Starting April 25, there will be one vote center open for early voting in each of Marion County’s nine townships. You can read our guide to early voting to see the locations and hours or look for the spot that’s closest to you on the Indy Votes website.
You can apply for a mail-in ballot before April 23. In Indiana, you have to provide a specific reason to request an absentee ballot, such as working while polls are open on Election Day, having a disability or being older than 65. You can read the full list of reasons and learn how to request an absentee ballot online. In your application for a mail-in ballot, you’ll have to include a copy of your ID.
You can also vote in person on Election Day, May 5. There are vote centers open all over Marion County, and you can pick whichever location is most convenient for you. All vote centers are open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Election Day.
What’s on your ballot
You’ll get to choose which candidates you want to fill a variety of local, state and federal offices. U.S. Rep. André Carson has represented about 750,000 people in the six northernmost townships in Indy since 2007. This year, he’s facing two primary challengers for his seat in the U.S. Congress. Marion County will elect a sheriff this year and decide who the next township trustees should be.
We sent Q&As to every candidate in Marion County who is running against someone else in their party during the primary. We asked questions about what experience they have and what their plans are if they are elected. Read their responses in our voter guide.
What kind of ID you need to vote
Indiana state law requires you to bring a photo ID to vote. You’ll show it to a poll worker when you check in at a vote center. There’s a few rules about what has to be on that ID.
It must have your photo, name and expiration date, and it must be issued by the state of Indiana or the U.S. government. Common examples include a driver’s license, passport or military ID.
In July 2025, a state law banned students from using their Indiana college IDs to vote. There’s a case in the courts about it right now, and we’ll keep you updated on any changes.
For more information on what IDs are accepted and how you can get a free one, check out our full guide to voter ID rules.
You have rights as a voter. Here’s what to do if they’re violated.
Every voter who steps foot into a polling place has rights. You have the right to:
- Vote privately and independently.
- Vote in an ADA-compliant vote center.
- Ask for assistance to vote if you are disabled or if you can’t read or write English. You must request help before you go into a voting booth.
- Vote if you have a criminal record.
Be on the lookout for voter intimidation, which is a violation of your civil rights and a federal crime. If someone at a polling place does these things, it’s voter intimidation:
- Threatens you, harasses you or interferes with your choice of candidates.
- Falsely presents themselves as an election official.
- Aggressively questions you about your citizenship, criminal record or other qualifications to vote.
If your rights have been violated, call the Marion County Election Board’s voter hotline. If you are disabled and the vote center you’re at isn’t ADA compliant, you can call Indiana Disability Rights.
Marion County Election Board
📞 317-327-VOTE
Indiana Disability Rights
📞 317-722-5555
Mirror Indy, a nonprofit newsroom, is funded through grants and donations from individuals, foundations and organizations.
Mirror Indy reporter Sophie Young covers services and resources. Contact her at sophie.young@mirrorindy.org.
Republish our articles for free, online or in print, under a Creative Commons license.
