Voter Registration & Election Day Information

To ensure IPS students, family members, staff, and community members are prepared for the 2026 General Election, this guide provides official, non-partisan facts on early voting, how to register to vote, and information on the upcoming election.

Important Dates for Fall 2026

• October 5, 2026: Deadline to register to vote for the General Election.
• November 3, 2026: General Election Day (Polls open 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. local time).

Am I Eligible to Register?

You can register to vote in Indiana if you meet the following state requirements:

• You are a U.S. Citizen.
• You have lived in your specific voting precinct for at least 30 days before the election.
• You are not currently in prison following a conviction.
• The "18 by Election Day" Rule: High school students can register to vote right now if they will turn 18 years old on or before Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

How to Register (Three Options)

Option 1: Online (Fastest and Recommended)

Visit the state's official portal atIndianaVoters.com.

• Requirements: You must have a valid Indiana Driver’s License or State ID card.
• Deadline: Applications must be submitted online by midnight on Monday, October 5, 2026.

Option 2: By Mail

Download the application form atvote.gov/register/indiana.

• Instructions: Download and print the PDF from the website, fill it out, and mail it to your local county election office.
• Please Note: You will need a printer and a postage stamp to utilize this option.
• Deadline: Mail-in forms must be postmarked on or before Monday, October 5, 2026.

Option 3: In Person

You can register in person at any Indiana BMV branch (Bureau of Motor Vehicles) or directly at your county’s election office.

For Marion County residents, the local office details are:

• Marion County Election Board: 200 E. Washington St., Indianapolis, IN
• Call: 317.327.5100 | Email: elections@indy.gov
• Deadline: Forms must be submitted by the close of business on Monday, October 5, 2026.

What Do I Need on Election Day?

Indiana state law requires a government-issued photo ID to vote in person. To be valid at the polls, your ID must:

• Display your name (matching your voter registration record exactly).
• Display a clear photo of you.
• Be current or have expired after November 5, 2024.
• Be officially issued by the State of Indiana or the U.S. Government.

Important Note for Students: Most high school IDs do not meet the legal requirements for voting. Instead, plan to use your Indiana Driver’s License, Learner’s Permit, State ID card, or a U.S. Passport.

Questions & Verification Tools

Before heading to the polls, use these official state tools to verify your plan:

• Check Your Registration: Confirm your voter status atIndianaVoters.com.
• Find Your Polling Place: Locate your exact voting center or view a sample ballot ahead of time through the state portal.
• Additional Assistance: Contact your local school administration office or visit the official Indiana Election Division website for further resources.