
By completing this form, I agree to receive occasional emails per the terms of the ACLU’s privacy statement.
Last updated on October 28, 2025
Learn more about your voting rights in Indiana ahead of the 2026 election.
To vote in Indiana, an individual must be a citizen of the U.S. who will be least 18 years of age at the time of the next general, municipal or special election (November 3, 2026). The voter must have resided in their precinct for 30 days prior to the election and must be registered to vote.
There are many misconceptions surrounding who can and cannot vote in the state of Indiana, leading to suppressed voter turnout for certain groups that do have the right to vote.
After a conviction, you get your right to vote back the day you leave prison in Indiana. People who have been previously incarcerated should check their registration, and re-register to vote if it has been canceled. Individuals on parole, probation, home detention, or people who are in jail awaiting trial can vote. People who are in a community corrections program, such as work release or electronic monitoring, can vote. Learn more and view corresponding Indiana Code.
Transgender people can vote, even if their gender does not match what is listed on their government issued ID. Transgender people must be registered with the name that is listed on their government issued ID. Full list of accepted photo ID forms below.
College students have a right to register and vote in the place they truly consider to be “home” — whether their dorm room, apartment or parents’ house. High school students who will turn 18 by November 3, 2026 may register to vote before the registration deadline even if they have not yet turned 18.
In Indiana, you can register to vote online if you have an identity document issued by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, such as an Indiana Driver's License or state ID. If you do not have one of those documents, you’ll need to register by mail or at an approved voter registration location. A new law requires the identities of first-time Indiana voters to be verified. If your identity cannot be verified, you’ll be asked to show additional documentation of residency (official mail that matches the name and address on your registration paperwork) when you go to vote.
Students who will be absent on Election Day from the county they are registered to vote in (or who meet one of the other absentee ballot eligibility requirements) can apply to vote by mail. If you vote in-person, you’ll need to meet the identification requirements below. A student ID will not meet this requirement.
In Indiana, if you lack a permanent address because you are experiencing homelessness or live in a motor home, you can still vote.
You do need to provide a mailing address (such as a friend’s house, shelter, or post office box) within the county you reside, where someone will accept mail on your behalf. You may be contacted for additional information at the mailing address you provide.
Whether voting early or on Election Day, Hoosier voters must present a photo ID in order to vote. In accordance with state law, your ID must:
In most cases, an Indiana driver's license, Indiana photo ID card, Military ID, or U.S. Passport is sufficient. Click here to see examples of acceptable forms of ID.
Voters may also submit an application for a free photo ID at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. The Secretary of State provides further information.
Those Without a Photo ID
Exemptions to Indiana’s voter ID law exist for those who cannot afford an ID, people with a religious objection to being photographed, and those living in state-licensed facilities that serve as their precinct's polling place. On Election Day, you can cast a provisional ballot and then visit the county election office within 10 days to prove you qualify for an exemption. Alternatively, you can vote early in-person and claim your exemption there.
A free ID card may be issued by the BMV if you are at least 18 years old, a United States citizen, and you are eligible to vote. However, when you apply for a new driver’s license, permit or identification card, you must present original versions or certified copies of the following documents:
Make sure you have a voting plan! Your vote plan should include:
How you’re voting — early in-person at a satellite location, absentee by mail, or in-person on Election Day.
The location you’ll vote if you opt to vote early at a satellite location or in-person on Election Day.
Any important deadlines associated with the way in which you plan to cast your vote.
By completing this form, I agree to receive occasional emails per the terms of the ACLU’s privacy statement.
If you are interested in working at the polls on election day, contact your county clerk.