Indiana Absentee Voter Guide

Military and overseas voters should visit the Overseas Vote Foundation.  Long Distance Voter's forms and deadlines should only be used by voters with US mailing addresses.

Important Deadlines

• Voter Registration Form: Postmarked at least 29 days before the election
• Absentee Ballot Application: Received 8 days before the election
• Voted Absentee Ballot: Received by close of polls on Election Day

How to vote by absentee ballot

Register to vote

Recommended: Use our Voter Registration Widget. Enter your information, print and sign the completed form, and mail it to the address printed on the form.  

You can also download and complete the Indiana state voter registration form.  Mail the completed form to your County Voter Registration Office (the addresses are on the form). 

Verify your voter registration

Once your voter registration application is received, your county voter registration office will process the application and determine your eligibility. If you are eligible, the county office will send you a voter registration acknowledgment card. Once you receive that card, you will be officially registered.

If you are not eligible, or if the application was incomplete, you will receive a notice denying the application or requesting the missing information. If you have not received a voter registration card or a notice from your county within about 30 days, call your county voter registration office. You can check your voter registration and polling location at anytime at www.indianavoters.com or by calling 1-866-IN-1-VOTE.

Make sure you're eligible to vote by absentee ballot

You may vote by absentee ballot if you meet one of the following criteria:

• 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 am until 6 pm).
• 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.

Apply for your absentee ballot

Download the Indiana Absentee Ballot Application.  Complete and sign the form, and mail it your County Elections Office (the addresses are on the form).

Receive, complete and return your voted absentee ballot

Your county election office will mail your absentee ballot and a return envelope.  Complete the absentee ballot, sign where indicated, and send it back to your county election office.  Your voted absentee ballot must be received by the close of polls on Election Day. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to provide ID when I register to vote?

If you are registering to vote in Indiana for the first time, and you register to vote by mail, you must provide proof of residency before voting for the first time (either in person or by absentee ballot).  If you'd like, you can submit proof of residency with your voter registration form.  Accceptable proof of residency includes:  a COPY of your Indiana Driver’s License or other current and valid photo ID that shows your name and Indiana address; a COPY of a current utility bill or bank statement that shows your name and Indiana address; a COPY of a government check or other government document that shows your name and Indiana address; OR a COPY of a paycheck that shows your name and address.

Do I need to provide ID when I vote by absentee ballot?

You do not need to provide ID if you've already voted in Indiana at least once.  If you are a first time Indiana voter and you did not provide proof of Indiana residency with your voter registration application, you must include one of the following documents with your absentee ballot application: a copy of your Indiana Driver’s License or other current and valid photo identification and Indiana address; a copy of a current utility bill or bank statement that shows your name and Indiana address; a copy of a government check or other government document that shows your name and Indiana address; or a copy of a paycheck that shows your name and address.

Additional Information