Today, Oct. 7, is the final day for Hoosiers to register to vote. As Election Day approaches, here’s what you need to know to ensure you’re ready to cast your ballot.
How to register to vote
The fastest way to register to vote in Indiana is via www.indianavoters.com. The application must be completed by 11:59 p.m. Monday, Oct. 7.
You may also submit an application in person to the Lake County Clerk or Board of Elections and Registration by the close of business Monday, Oct. 7.
A mail application must be postmarked on or before Monday, Oct. 7.
What you need to register:
- Have a valid Indiana driver’s license or Indiana state identification card.
- Be a citizen of the United States.
- Be at least 18 years old on or before the next general, municipal or special election. (A 17-year-old may register and vote in the primary election if the voter turns 18 on or before the next general or municipal election.)
- Have lived in your precinct for at least 30 days before the next general, municipal, or special election.
- Not currently imprisoned after being convicted of a crime.
What’s on the ballot? What’s at stake?
At the top of the ticket, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are vying for the presidency in a race that could have an enormous impact on the futures of reproductive rights, the U.S. Supreme Court, and democracy itself.
In the governor’s race between Mike Braun and Jennifer McCormick, education, the future of property tax, and the way municipalities generate revenue for services hang in the balance.
Gary voters will be selecting their state representation, headlined by the District 3 state Senate seat vacated by Mayor Eddie Melton in a race that features Democratic Gary Councilman Mark Spencer and Republican Will Miller. Their respective primary victories ensure the seat will remain in the hands of Gary residents.
There is one statewide referendum on the ballot. The ballot measure is a constitutional amendment to remove the office of superintendent of public instruction from being sixth in line for gubernatorial succession. In Indiana, a bill must pass both houses of the state legislature with a simple majority during two successive legislative sessions to be placed on the ballot. If a majority of voters approve the measure, it will become a part of the state constitution.
What you need to know to vote by mail
The deadline to request a mailed ballot is Oct. 24. The request can be made one of four ways:
- Appear in the office of the county election board
- Call the county election board to request an application
- Email the county election board at lcabsenteevoting@lakecountyin.org
- Visit the online portal through the Office of Indiana Secretary of State (www.indianavoters.com)
The completed application may be returned to the Indiana Election Division or to the county election board prior to the deadline at the top of the application form:
- Hand-delivery or mail to 2293 N. Main St., Ste A-205, Crown Point, IN 46307
- Email to lcabsenteevoting@lakecountyin.org
- Fax to (219) 755-3801
Your ballot must be received by the county election board no later than 6 p.m. (local prevailing time) on Election Day. Please contact the Lake County Board of Elections and Registration if you did not receive your mail-in ballot (in a timely manner) after submitting your application.
Correction: An earlier version of this story misidentified Democratic gubernatorial nominee Jennifer McCormick.
