INDIANA– As the November 5 election approaches, Indiana voters who cannot make it to the polls can vote absentee by mail. This is a vital opportunity for those who meet specific criteria to ensure their voices are heard.
Requesting an Absentee Ballot
To request an absentee vote-by-mail ballot, voters must submit their application by 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, October 24. It’s important to note that voters must reapply for an absentee ballot for each election and update their registration if they have moved.
Once an application is approved, a ballot packet will be mailed to the address on file. The packet will include the ballot, an absentee voter bill of rights, and a pre-paid security envelope for returning the completed ballot.
Eligibility for Absentee Voting
Indiana law provides 12 specific reasons that allow voters to request an absentee ballot, including:
- Expecting to be out of the county all day on Election Day.
- Having a disability.
- Being at least 65 years old.
- Serving as a poll worker outside of the voting precinct.
- Working all day on Election Day.
- Being confined due to illness or caring for someone who is.
- Being prevented from voting due to a religious holiday.
- Participating in the state’s address confidentiality program.
- Being a member of the military or a public safety officer.
- Being classified as a serious sex offender under state law.
- Lacking transportation to the polls.
ID Requirements
When applying for an absentee ballot, voters must provide one of the following identifiers:
- Indiana Driver’s License Number
- Indiana Identification Card Number
- Unique Voter Identification Number
- The last four digits of your Social Security Number
If voters cannot provide any of these numbers, a copy of a government-issued photo ID must be included with the application.
Returning Your Absentee Ballot
Completed ballots must be received by 6 p.m. on Election Day. It’s crucial to remember that applications submitted after the deadline—regardless of postmark—will not be accepted.
Voters can return their ballots by mail or deliver them in person to any early voting site or vote center location. If personal delivery isn’t possible, an attorney or family member may submit the ballot on behalf of the voter, provided they fill out an affidavit from the state.
Download the absentee ballot
