Hoosiers begin to cast ballots as early voting kicks off

INDIANAPOLIS (October 12, 2016) — Early voting is officially underway in Indiana. Hoosiers can vote early in-person at their county clerk’s office and in some counties at additional locations, ahead of the November 8^th General Election.

Absentee ballots are also available by mail from county election offices. A voter can obtain an application to vote absentee by mail on the web at IndianaVoters.com.

You’ll need to apply for an absentee ballot by mailing the application to your county clerk’s office by Oct. 31^st.

Anyone can vote early in-person, but there are some requirements to meet if you want to vote early by mail. You also must meet at least one of these requirements:

– 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 a.m. until 6 p.m.).

– 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 member of the military or a public safety officer.

– You are a “serious sex offender” as defined in Indiana Code 35-42-4-14(a).

– You are prevented from voting due to the unavailability of transportation to the polls.

Absentee voting by mail is a three-step process. A voter must submit an application to vote absentee; the voter needs to receive and mark an absentee ballot; then the voter must return their completed absentee ballot by mail.

You have the right to vote in Indiana if:

• You are a U.S. citizen; AND
• You are a resident of Indiana; AND
• You will be at least 18 by November 8^th; AND
• You are not currently in prison after being convicted of a crime; AND
• You have lived in the precinct where you vote for at least 30 days before the election; AND
• You are registered to vote

Voters with questions are also encouraged to review the Voter’s Bill of Rights. This publication explains your rights regarding:

• the types of ballots to be used
• if you’re waiting in line when the polls close
• who to contact if your rights are violated.