The Rev. Lennox Yearwood had learned from experience that getting more members of the hip-hop generation to be politically active was difficult. He knew it wasn’t enough to get them to turn out to vote for one election – because they might not show up for the next one. And he believed that creating change […]
Elections
Your 2026 Early Voting Guide for Gary and Lake County
Polls open across Indiana for early voting on Tuesday, Oct. 6, allowing those who prefer to cast their ballots before Election Day to do so now. What’s on the ballot in Gary? Gary voters will decide who will shape policing, taxation, and public services in six local contests. They will also choose who will represent […]
Volunteers Are Preparing to Help Gary Voters Who Run into Problems at the Polls
Julia Vaughn has been hearing a question from voters she says she’s never been asked in previous cycles: “Do I need a passport to cast a ballot?” They don’t, the Common Cause Indiana executive director tells them. But the question itself, she said, illustrates how proposals to change election laws, court battles and conflicting information […]
How Indiana Voters Can Protect Their Vote From Citizenship Checks
Indiana has rejected or canceled voter registrations for more than 60% of the immigrant Hoosiers flagged under a proof-of-citizenship law, according to court filings. Indiana voters have until Oct. 5 to establish their voter eligibility and register for the November general election. Two Indiana laws can require immigrants to prove their citizenship to stay registered […]
Gary Voters to Receive Mail Ballots on Schedule After Supreme Court Ruling
Local election officials in Indiana are relieved after the U.S. Supreme Court on Monday ruled against an executive order that would have required last-minute changes to the state’s mail-in ballot process. In the 7-2 decision, the high court upheld a federal judge’s injunction barring the U.S. Postal Service from imposing new ballot requirements laid out […]
Lake County’s Primary Reveals a Stark Divide in Who Shows Up to Vote
Despite a primary ballot that featured a historic race for Lake County sheriff and several competitive county council contests, voter turnout across Lake County remained sluggish on May 5, with most communities failing to surpass 20%. Just 16% of the county’s more than 367,000 registered voters cast ballots, according to Lake County Board of Elections […]
Gary Primary Election Turnout Was Very Different Across Districts
Voter turnout in Gary’s 2026 primary election varied widely across precincts, with clear gaps between council districts. In some locations, participation far exceeded the county average, while others saw only a small percentage of registered voters cast ballots. An examination of registered voters, ballots cast on election day, and overall turnout percentages shows how civic […]
Williams Moves Closer to Historic Sheriff Win After Election Primary
Jerry Williams was greeted with roaring applause as he walked into a packed celebration at the Dean and Barbara White Community Center shortly before 10 p.m. Tuesday to celebrate his Democratic primary victory in the Lake County sheriff’s race. As dozens of supporters cheered, Williams moved through the crowd smiling, moving closer to a November […]
Gary Voters Head to the Polls on Primary Election Day
Gary voters were greeted with steady rain and clouds on primary election day. While there is no presidential race on the ballot, several key federal, county and local contests are expected to shape life in Gary and across Lake County. In the 1st Congressional District, U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan faces a challenge from former Gary […]
How to Vote in Gary and Lake County on Election Day
Election day in Gary is this Tuesday, May 5 when residents head to the polls to select their candidates in the primary election. This guide breaks down key races, offices on the ballot, and what to know before you vote. Where do I vote in Gary and Lake County? Nearly 30 polling sites will be […]

