National Voter Registration day is Tuesday, and as an IU student, it’s up to you whether you want to vote on campus or at home. No matter which you want to do, the deadline to register for the general election is Oct. 9. If you’re feeling lost, here’s some information to get you started.
If you need to register or you’re registered at home
All of the residence halls have voter registration applications which you can fill out and submit in order to newly register or to change your registration to your Bloomington address. If you don’t live in a residence hall, forms are also available at the Herman B Wells Library East Tower reference desk and at Student Central on Union Street.
You should receive a postcard in the mail about a week after you register, which will include your polling location. If you don't receive this postcard, you should call the Monroe County Election Central at (812) 349-2690 to check on your registration.
How to get an absentee ballot (by mail)
Deadlines for absentee ballot applications vary by state, but all are mailed to your county election board. Organizations like Vote.org will walk you through the process and generate the correct paperwork, and all you will have to do is print and mail it. For Indiana, the absentee ballot application deadline is Oct. 29.
Early voting (in person)
Early voting in Indiana begins Oct. 10 and ends Oct. 29 at the office of the county election board or a satellite facility, such as a nearby library or government building. Dates vary by state. If you don't want to vote by mail but want to vote in your home county, you have to go home during this period and vote in person. For those staying in town to vote, the Election Central is located at 401 W Seventh St.
Where to send your absentee ballot
Your absentee ballot will be sent to your county election board. If you are voting in Indiana outside of Monroe County, your county election board must receive your ballot by Nov. 5 in order for your vote to be counted. This deadline varies by state — keep in mind that the deadline is when the office must receive your ballot, not when you need to send it.
Where to go on election day
This varies by where you live. Go to https://indianavoters.in.gov/ and put in the address at which you’re registered to find your polling place. Be sure to take a government issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, or your student ID with you.
Correction: A previous version of this article identified the last day to apply for an absentee ballot as Oct. 22. The correct due date for absentee ballot applications is Oct. 29. The previous version also identified the last day for early voting at Nov. 5. The correct deadline for early voting is Oct. 29. The IDS regrets these errors. This story has also been updated to include additional information.
