Indiana’s primary election is May 5, and it’s your chance to decide which candidates make it on the ballot in November’s general election. You have to register to vote–online, in person or by mail—by April 6.
Voters have a say in big races that affect Indianapolis, including whether U.S. Rep André Carson will keep his spot in the 7th congressional district or if one of his fellow Democrats, Destiny Wells or George Hornedo, beats him to the ballot.
In Senate District 46, three Democrats are seeking the nomination to replace Sen. Andrea Hunley, who is not seeking reelection. And in Senate District 29, both Democrats and Republicans will vote on their respective nominees to succeed Democratic Sen. J.D. Ford, who is running for Congress.
These politicians represent Indianapolis’ interests at the state and federal level.
Here’s how to check your eligibility and voter status and register to vote.
Are you eligible to vote?
You are able to vote if you meet 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.
Note: If you moved away from Indiana within the 30 days prior to the election, you can still vote in the precinct you previously lived in, one last time.
Are you already registered to vote?
Here’s how to check your voter registration status
Visit Indiana’s voter portal. Click on the blue box that says “Check Voting Status,” and fill out the fields for your first name, last name, date of birth and the county you lived in when you registered.
If you have questions, call the Marion County Election Board at 317-327-5100.
Have you moved or changed your name since you last voted?
On the voter portal, click “Register to Vote.” Enter your Indiana driver’s license number or Indiana state identification card number. Then, click “Update Registration Info.”
Not registered to vote? Here are three ways to register:
Online
Visit Indiana’s voter portal. Click “Register to Vote” (first blue button on the left). Fill in your name, address and an Indiana driver’s license number or state identification card number. You should receive your voter registration card within 30 days.
If you don’t receive your card within 30 days, call the Marion County Election Board at 317-327-5100.
By mail
Download the English voter registration form or the Spanish voter registration form.
Important: Make sure you’re using the correct version of the paper form. On the top right corner, you’ll see a label that says “VRG,” which means voter registration, with a number. If you see VRG-7 or VRG-11, you’re using the right form.
Complete and mail your form to the Marion County Board of Voters Registration, City-County Building, 200 E. Washington St., Indianapolis IN 46204. The election board suggests mailing it by March 23, 14 days before the deadline.
In person
You can pick up paper forms at the Marion County Board of Voters Registration at the City-County building downtown, branches of the Indianapolis Public Library, branches of the Bureau of Motor Vehicles and township trustee offices. In most (but not all) cases, you’ll have to mail the forms yourself.
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Mirror Indy reporter Sophie Young covers services and resources. Contact her at sophie.young@mirrorindy.org.
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