Indiana's primary election is Tuesday, May 5, when Marion County voters will help decide a crowded slate of congressional, state legislative and local races.
Whether you're voting for the first time or just need a refresher, here's what to know before heading to the polls.
What's on my ballot?
Marion County Democratic and Republican voters will choose nominees to advance to the Nov. 3 general election.
The Democratic primary for Indiana's 7th Congressional District — which covers most of Indianapolis — is one of the most crowded races on the ballot. U.S. Rep. André Carson faces three challengers: Denise Paul Hatch, George Hornedo and Destiny Wells. Republicans Patrick McAuley and Felipe Rios are competing for their party's nomination.
Closer to home, voters will weigh in on races for Marion County sheriff, clerk of the circuit court and prosecutor. Voters in nine townships — Center, Decatur, Franklin, Lawrence, Perry, Pike, Warren, Washington and Wayne — will also see races for trustee, small claims court judge and constable.
A few races you won't see in May: school board seats for Marion County's 11 school corporations are reserved for the November general election, and statewide offices such as secretary of state, state comptroller and state treasurer are nominated through party conventions, not primaries.
To see what's on your ballot, visit the Marion County Election Board's website or log in to your voter portal at vote.indy.gov
Do I need an ID to vote?
Yes. To cast a regular ballot, you'll need a photo ID that meets four criteria: it shows your photo, shows your name (it doesn't have to be a perfect match), has an expiration date that's either current or expired after the last general election, and was issued by the state of Indiana or the U.S. government.
An Indiana driver's license, a U.S. passport, an Indiana state identification card or a military ID all work. Student IDs from Indiana's public colleges and universities can be used, after a federal judge recently ruled that Indiana's ban on the IDs to vote presented "unconstitutional burdens."
Forgot your ID? Don't walk away. You can still cast a provisional ballot, then bring the right documentation to the Marion County Election Board by noon 10 days after the election to have your vote counted.
Can I still register to vote?
Not for this election. The deadline to register for the May primary was April 6 — close of business at local registration offices, or midnight for online applications. But you can still check your registration status at indianavoters.in.gov
The site, run by the Indiana Secretary of State, lets you confirm you're on the rolls, update your address and find your polling place. And if you missed the deadline this time, you can register now for the Nov. 3 general election.
Where do I vote?
Polls are open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 5. Marion County is a vote center county, which means any registered voter can cast a ballot at any polling place in the county — not just the one closest to home.
You can now vote at the Indianapolis City-County Building until May 4. Eight other early voting locations open April 25 to May 3:
- Decatur Township Government Center
- Franklin Township Government Center
- Indianapolis Public Library – Fort Ben Branch
- Indianapolis Public Library – Pike Branch
- Krannert Park
- Perry Township Government Center
- St. Luke’s United Methodist Church
- Warren Township Government Center
Need more help?
Marion County's IndyVOTES website offers details on voting centers, absentee ballots, early voting and see your sample ballot. The Indiana Secretary of State runs a voter hotline at 866-461-8683, staffed 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern on Election Day.
Voters with disabilities can call Indiana Disability Rights at 317-722-5555.
The nonpartisan national Election Protection hotline is 866-687-8683.
Eric Weddle is WFYI's education editor. Contact Eric at eweddle@wfyi.org or follow him on X at @ericweddle
