If you are not currently residing in the district you are registered to vote in, but still want to cast your vote there, absentee voting is an important option for you to look into.
What is it?
An absentee ballot is a ballot (voting card/form) filled out by a person who is unable to be physically present (absentee) at their polling place for election day.
Who Qualifies?
In Indiana there is no specific proof of absence needed to request an absentee. The following are the general rules which apply:
1. 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 (6 amount until 6 pm).
2. You have a disability.
3. You are at least 65 years of age.
4. You will have official election duties outside of your voting precinct.
5. You are scheduled to work at your regular place of employment during the entire 12 hours that the polls are open.
6. 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.
7. You are prevented from voting because of a religious discipline or religious holiday during the entire 12 hours that the polls are open.
8. You are a participant in the state’s address confidentiality program.
9. You are a member of the military or a public safety officer.
10. You are a “serious sex offender” as defined in Indiana Code 35-42-4-14(a).
11. You are prevented from voting due to the unavailability of transportation to the polls.
For most students, the first choice would be acceptable– the primary reason being that, due to academic responsibilities, the voter will be unable to make it back to their polling location within that 12 hours.
When is the Deadline?
In Indiana, request forms for absentee voting must be RECEIVED by September 22nd. After that the absentee form will be mailed to you, but the request must be put in well before that.
Once you have requested an absentee, October 10th is the first day you can submit the ballot that you received in the mail (either by mail or in person)
How do you request one?
–Electronic Request or
-Download, fill out, and mail form at bottom of this page: Indiana Absentee Forms
More updates to come regarding the midterm elections including: info about the “public questions” on the ballot this year, important races in the state, upcoming deadlines, opportunities to get out the vote, etc.
Once again, feel free to email me with any questions at mnsharif@iu.edu !
Your classmate,
Marina
