Election day is coming to Gary this Tuesday, May 7. As residents head to the polls to select their candidates in the primary election, Capital B Gary offers a comprehensive guide to the key races and offices, helping voters navigate the complexities of this election year.
Photo ID
Indiana voters are required to present a photo ID when voting. That ID must meet the following four criteria:
- The ID must display voter’s photo.
- The voter’s name must conform (not match identically) to the name on the voter registration file.
- The voter’s ID must contain an expiration date and either be current or have expired after 11/8/22.
- The voter’s ID must be issued by the state of Indiana or the U.S. Government.
Election Day Voting Locations
There will be nearly 30 polling sites in Gary for the primary on May 7. The Voting Information Project has created a voting tool that allows voters to search for their polling site. Simply enter the address where you are registered to vote, and the website will display your voting location.
Below, we have compiled a full list of Gary’s voting locations:
Major Races on the Ballot
Gary voters will choose candidates to run in the Nov. 5 general election for:
- U.S. President
- Indiana Governor
- U.S. Representative
- U.S. Senator
- Indiana State Senator
- Indiana State Representative
- Lake County Coroner
- Lake County Surveyor
Here’s what you should know about key local races
U.S. Representative District 1
Indiana’s 1st District U.S. Representative is Gary’s voice in Congress. Gary is the largest city in the district, which includes most of Northwest Indiana from the Illinois border to LaPorte County and as far south as Lowell.
Example of Elected Officials’ Impact on Gary: U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan, D-1st, voted on the American Rescue Plan Act, which infused over $80 million into the city in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Indiana State Senate District 1 and Indiana State Representative District 3
Gary will be voting in two competitive races for the state legislature this year. State senators and representatives vote on and introduce bills that, if signed into law, can directly affect Gary residents.
Example of Elected Officials’ Impact on Gary: : In his former role as state senator, Gary Mayor Eddie Melton authored Senate Bill 434, which specifically established the blighted property demolition fund, designating funds Gary will use to eradicate blighted properties.
County Coroner
The Lake County Coroner investigates and certifies deaths within the county.
Did you know?
- Coroners have the ability to defray the cost of funeral expenses for those in need by contracting with a funeral home in an arrangement to be paid by the county auditor.
- Coroners are responsible for investigating deaths caused by diseases that may be public health threats.
- The coroner’s office is responsible for autopsies, responding to crime scenes, and notifying next of kin.
County Surveyor
In addition to determining property boundaries and coordinating Lake County’s computerized mapping and GIS systems, the surveyor collaborates with the county Drainage Board to maintain the county’s more than 600-mile stormwater drainage.
Do I have to declare a political party affiliation in order to vote in the primary election?
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.
