These new guidelines were adopted by the IEC on Wednesday, March 25, 2020, in order to make it possible for greater participation in an election likely to be held while many Indiana voters are still impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.
Here is a list of the changes most likely of interest to the typical voter (details of the changes are outlined in this IEC document):
- All registered and qualified Indiana voters are being given the opportunity to vote "no-excuse" absentee by mail. The voter must submit an application for an absentee ballot to the local election board before May 21, 2020, if they have not already done so.
- Also, a new rule is in effect for the return/delivery of voted absentee ballots in the required security envelope to the county election board: caregivers and family members will be allowed to deliver voted absentee ballots (rather than household members only). U.S. Mail can still be used for return, as well.
- The date of the Primary Election has been postponed to Tuesday, June 2, 2020 (from May 5, 2020).
- All deadlines related to the original May 5, 2020 election date are pushed back 28 days: the new voter registration deadline is May 4, 2020 and early voting will now begin on May 5, 2020.
- Any form, notice, filing or ballot intended for use with the May 5, 2020 primary is valid for the June 2, 2020 election.
Visit indianavoters.in.gov to obtain additional information about Indiana's voting procedures.