Can I vote-by-mail in my state?

Maybe. Indiana requires an excuse to vote-by-mail. You can find a list of the accepted excuses below. If you qualify, follow the application steps listed. If you don't qualify, call your representatives and ask them to change the rules. Many states have already done so this year. Click here to register as a new voter or to check your existing registration. (It's always a good idea to double-check.) https://indianavoters.com/ ***For some reason, Indiana blocks this referral link, so you will probably have to copy and paste the web address.***

Are there any other restrictions or requirements to apply?

If you apply for an absentee/vote by mail ballot and did not include your state’s driver’s license number or the last 4 digits of your SSN when you registered by mail, you must include a copy of an acceptable ID. Your photo ID must meet 4 criteria to be acceptable for voting purposes. It Must:

1. Display your photo
   
2. Display your name, and the name must conform to your voter registration record. Conform does not mean identical.
   
3. Display an expiration date and either be current or have expired sometime after the date of the last General Election (November 6, 2018)
   
   NOTE: An ID issued by the US Department of Defense, a branch of the uniformed services, the Merchant Marine, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (or Veterans Administration), or the Indiana National Guard is not required to have an expiration date, or may state that the document has an "Indefinite" expiration date.
   
4. Be issued by the State of Indiana or the U.S. government
   
   In most cases, an Indiana driver license, Indiana photo ID card, Military ID or U.S. Passport is sufficient.
   
   A student ID from an Indiana State school may only be used if it meets all of the 4 criteria specified above. A student ID from a private institution may not be used for voting purposes.

Who is allowed to vote-by-mail?

One can request an absentee ballot only if:

• You have a specific, reasonable expectation that you will be absent from the county on Election Day during the entire 12 hours that the polls are open (6am until 6pm).
• You have a disability.
• You are at least 65 years of age.
• You will have official election duties outside of your voting precinct.
• You are scheduled to work at your regular place of employment during the entire 12 hours that the polls are open.
• You will be confined due to illness or injury or you will be caring for an individual confined due to illness or injury during the entire 12 hours that the polls are open.
• You are prevented from voting because of a religious discipline or religious holiday during the entire 12 hours that the polls are open.
• You are a participant in the state's address confidentiality program.
• You are a serious sex offender as defined in Indiana Code 35-42-4-14(a).
• You are a member of the military or a public safety officer.
• You are prevented from voting due to the unavailability of transportation to the polls.
• You are eligible under the relevant provisions of state law to vote at your place of previous registration.

Application form link:

Online: www.indianavoters.com ***For some reason, Indiana blocks this referral link, so you will probably have to copy and paste the web address.*** Voters may log in to their “my voter portal page” by entering the requested information exactly as it appears on their voter registration record. When on the main landing page, select “ABS-Mail.” After clicking “submit,” a confirmation screen appears that allows the voter to download and retain a copy for their records. There is no need to sign and return the online submission since the system applies the voter’s registration signature to the application on the back-end. Print and return: https://indianavoters.in.gov/MVPHome/PrintDocuments ***For some reason, Indiana blocks this referral link, so you will probably have to copy and paste the web address.*** By mail or hand-delivery: Physical addresses to the county election boards are found on the second page of the ABS-Mail application. Please contact their office directly to determine office hours. Remember, if you take custody of another’s absentee ballot application, you are to deliver it to the election official not later than noon, ten days after receiving it OR by the application deadline, whichever comes first. By email: This requires the voter to print, sign, and scan or photograph their absentee ballot application and send it to the county official or the Indiana Election Division at elections@iec.in.gov.

Where should I send my completed application?

Voters can apply online. Those choosing to use the paper application can fax, email, mail, or hand-deliver ballot to their Local Election Office. https://indianavoters.in.gov/CountyContact/Index ***For some reason, Indiana blocks this referral link, so you will probably have to copy and paste the web address.***

When is the application due?

Technically, applications must be received by October 22, 2020 by 11:59 PM. To avoid delays within the election office and the postal service, we recommend you send it immediately and no later than the middle of October. New voters must register by October 5, 2020.

***Shenanigan Alerts***

Things to look out for: At this time, only five states have the kind of restrictive regulations Indiana has. Indiana blocks a lot of referral links. This state does that more than any other. Texas and West Virginia each block one site from referral links. All other states block none.

What if I don't qualify to vote-by-mail?

It can be frustrating to learn that different states have different rules for voting. Where you live shouldn't affect your right to vote safely. If you are an Indiana resident and you want to vote-by-mail, call your elected officials. Pressure from constituents matters. Other states have changed their requirements this year due to concern over Coronavirus. At this time, only five states have the kind of restrictive regulations Indiana has. Enter your address in the link below. Call the offices of your governor and state legislators listed at the bottom. https://www.270towin.com/elected-officials/

I have a question that wasn't answered here.

Please call the county election office where you live. They are in charge of elections and should be able to help you. https://indianavoters.in.gov/CountyContact/Index ***For some reason, Indiana blocks this referral link, so you will probably have to copy and paste the web address.***

When do I have to mail or drop off my completed ballot?

Technically, ballots must be received by noon on Election Day. To avoid delays within the election office and the postal service, we recommend you return your voted ballot as soon as it arrives and no later than the middle of October. You may also drop your ballot at your local election office. It's a good idea to call and check first. https://indianavoters.in.gov/CountyContact/Index ***For some reason, Indiana blocks this referral link, so you will probably have to copy and paste the web address.***

Does it require a stamp? Two?

Read the outside of the envelope to see if additional postage may be required. The US Postal service will deliver any ballot, regardless of whether or not it has the correct postage, or any at all. They will charge the local election office for any unpaid postage. https://time.com/4547550/absentee-mail-ballot-postage-stamp-postal-service-usps/

Can my ballot be dropped off at a polling site or dedicated drop box?

Yes, you may drop your ballot at a polling site.

Is there any way to check if my ballot was received?

There is no electronic way to track your ballot. You may call your local election office to ask if your ballot has been received. https://indianavoters.in.gov/CountyContact/Index ***For some reason, Indiana blocks this referral link, so you will probably have to copy and paste the web address.***

I have a question that wasn't answered here.

Please call the county election office where you live. They are in charge of elections and should be able to help you. https://indianavoters.in.gov/CountyContact/Index ***For some reason, Indiana blocks this referral link, so you will probably have to copy and paste the web address.***

Does my state offer any in-person early voting days?

October 6, 2020 - November 2, 2020

Link to information and locations:

https://www.in.gov/idr/voteearly.htm

I have a question that wasn't answered here.

Please call the county election office where you live. They are in charge of elections and should be able to help you. https://indianavoters.in.gov/CountyContact/Index ***For some reason, Indiana blocks this referral link, so you will probably have to copy and paste the web address.***