The League of Women Voters of Hamilton County, being aware that all eligible voters in Indiana are being encouraged to use absentee ballots, provides the following information to help people understand the process.
Normally an individual must meet some criteria to use an absentee ballot, but that has been waived. The Hamilton County government offices are closed to the public so everything must be handled by mail, email, fax or phone. Beth Sheller, the Hamilton County Elections Administrator, asks that everyone get their absentee ballots this sooner rather than later.
Firstly, you must be registered to vote by May 4 and that can be done at indianavoters.in.gov. If you have an address or name change, you can update your voter registration. Another way to register or update your record, is to print out and mail the form found at this link. You may also call (317) 776-9632 to have a voter registration form mailed to you. Voter registration forms must be mailed and cannot be returned using email or fax.
Secondly, you must apply for an absentee ballot. Everything you need to know can be found at this link. You must submit an application by May 21. You can download it from the website or call (317) 776-8476 to request an application. Do so Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., or you can leave a message with your name and address. The application can be returned to the Hamilton County Election Board in one of three ways:
- By mail (address provided)
- Scanned or a phone picture and emailed to elections@hamiltoncounty.in.gov
- By fax to (317) 776-8218
If you do not receive your absentee ballot within 10 days, call (317) 776-8476.
Thirdly, once received and filled out, you should return the absentee ballot to the Hamilton County Election Board by mail in the envelope provided. All ballots must be received by the Elections Board by noon on June 2. The absentee ballot cannot be faxed, emailed, or returned in person. Be sure that the ballot envelope is signed on the outside.
The League of Women Voters of Hamilton County, a non-partisan political organization, encourages the informed and active participation of citizens in government.