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 open in Gary on Election Day, May 5. Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Residents can find their location using the Voting Information Project’s online tool by entering the address where you are registered to vote. You can also search the map below or a full list of locations at the end of this guide.
What are the major races on the ballot?
Gary voters will select Democratic and Republican nominees to advance to the Nov. 3 general election for the following offices:
- Federal: U.S. representative
- State: Indiana state representative
- Lake County: sheriff, County Council, prosecuting attorney, auditor, treasurer, clerk, assessor, and county commissioner.
- Township: Calumet Township and Township Board.
Do I have to declare a party affiliation to vote in the primary?
Yes. Indiana law requires voters in a primary election to choose a single party’s ballot to cast their votes. Voters can switch or maintain their party affiliation from election to election, and selections in the primary do not affect how a person may vote in any future elections.
What are the key local races in Gary and Lake County?
U.S. Representative District 1
Indiana’s 1st District U.S. representative serves as Gary’s voice in Congress. The district includes all of Lake and Porter counties and a portion of LaPorte County.
U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan, who ran unopposed in 2024, faces a Democratic primary challenge from former Gary Common Council member LaVetta Sparks-Wade. Barb Regnitz, David Ben Ruiz, and James Schenke are running in the Republican primary.
This federal position has the authority to direct millions of dollars toward local community projects. In recent years, federal appropriations associated with this office have supported Gary through initiatives like public safety assistance and the demolition of abandoned school buildings.
The 1st District drew national attention as a focal point for the White House and national Republican leaders who aggressively pushed to redraw congressional maps in hopes of flipping a traditionally blue seat in a traditionally red state. The midcycle redistricting effort eventually stalled in the state Senate. With the maps remaining unchanged for this cycle, Gary’s turnout is once again expected to be a deciding factor in the district’s outcome.
Lake County sheriff
The 2026 race for sheriff is one of the most crowded on the ballot, with six Democratic candidates and one Republican vying for the nomination. The outcome is potentially historic, as the field offers the opportunity to elect the county’s first Black sheriff.
The sheriff is responsible for crime prevention, patrol, traffic enforcement, criminal investigation, scientific evidence collection, arrest of criminals, and searches and seizures.
