2026 Indianapolis Election Guide

Indiana Primary Election 2026

Mirror Indy explains how voting works and shares what candidates are running for federal, state and local offices.

Sophie Young

Service Reporter

Politics might seem far away or out of touch sometimes. But people in office make decisions that affect our everyday lives. Our representatives in the U.S. Congress can help Indiana get federal funding for parks, road repairs and workforce development programs. Township trustees hand out resources to people who can’t afford housing, utilities or transportation.

Indiana’s May 5 primary election is your chance to decide which candidates make it on the ballot for November’s general election. Early voting starts April 7, and you have to request a mail-in ballot by April 23.

During this election season, we’ll share how voting works, who the candidates are and what elected officials actually do.

Mirror Indy Votes logo by Nat Russell for Mirror Indy

Indiana’s primary election is May 5. Here’s what you need to know.

What primary elections are, how to check your voter registration and where to find a polling place.

by Sophie Young April 3, 2026April 3, 2026

How to vote early in Indiana’s 2026 primary election

Voting opens April 7 downtown and on April 25 at eight other vote centers throughout Marion County.

by Sophie Young April 2, 2026April 2, 2026

Ready to vote? Here’s what ID you need.

To vote in Indiana, you must have a photo ID with your name and an expiration date on it.

by Sophie Young April 2, 2026April 20, 2026

How to vote absentee in Indiana’s 2026 primary election

There are 11 reasons you can request a mail-in ballot. The deadline to apply is April 23.

by Sophie Young April 13, 2026April 13, 2026

Deadlines

April 6: Register to vote

Here’s how to check your voter status, find out if you’re eligible to vote and register to vote.

April 7-May 4: Early voting at the City-County Building

Early voting at the City-County Building starts April 7 and ends at noon May 4. Anyone registered to vote in Marion County can vote at the City-County Building. Bring a valid photo ID with you to vote.

Get the full guide: Your guide to early voting in Indianapolis

April 23: Request absentee ballot

There are 12 valid reasons to ask for a ballot you can complete at home and drop off or mail in. You can find them listed on the downloadable application form. All absentee ballots have to be submitted by 6 p.m. on May 5.

Get the full guide: How to vote absentee

April 25: Early voting at eight more vote centers

Eight vote centers across Marion County’s townships are open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, from April 25-May 3. Anyone registered to vote in Marion County can go to any of the sites to vote. Bring a valid photo ID with you to vote.

Get the full guide: Your guide to early voting in Indianapolis

May 5: Primary election day

The polls are open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 5. Find one near you.

How we are covering the 2026 primaries

Mirror Indy reporters sent surveys for our voter guide to every candidate running to represent Marion County in a contested primary. Those are races where voters will have a choice between two or more candidates when they cast their ballots. On a case by case basis, we also interviewed candidates for separate stories based on our understanding of the needs or interests of Indy communities. We also wrote stories focused on essential information for how to cast a ballot.