By RAY ADLER
Ask Adler
With elections approaching, now is the ideal time to verify your voter registration status. Ensuring your information is accurate helps avoid issues on Election Day.
How to check your registration
To confirm your Indiana voter registration, check the Indiana Voter Portal. Visit the Voter Portal at indianavoters.in.gov.
There, you can:
- Register to vote
- Check your voting status
- Find your polling place
- Access information about accessibility parking and physical site descriptions
There are currently 4,671,158 registered voters in Indiana.
Common address confusion
ZIP Code and address discrepancies can cause confusion in the voting process. For example:
- Some Tipton County residents have an Atlanta address.
- Some Boone County residents have a Sheridan address.
- Some Hamilton County residents may have an Anderson or Indianapolis address.
- Some Carmel addresses are not actually within Carmel.
These issues can be clarified through the voter portal.
Issues with BMV registration
The Election Board has previously addressed problems with voter registrations submitted through the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). This system does not always work seamlessly. If you believe you registered at the BMV, it’s wise to confirm your registration through the voter portal.
Contacting the Election Office
The Election Office is available during business hours for in-person visits at One Hamilton County Square, Suite 106, Noblesville. Phone inquiries can be made at (317) 776-5476. Each election brings questions and answers such as:
- No, you cannot vote in Carmel if you live in Fishers even though you know more people there.
- No, you cannot vote in Noblesville if you’ve moved to South Carolina.
- One individual traveled from New York to vote, but was ineligible due to residency requirements.
Some voters fail re-register after moving, which can cause confusion if the change wasn’t properly recorded. Attempting to vote more than once, or after a voter has passed away, is not permitted.
Candidate eligibility
If you are a candidate representing a political party, you must have:
- Voted in two primaries, or
- Received approval from that county party chairman
Otherwise, you may be challenged as an ineligible candidate. The Election Office provides guidance on required reports and donation recordkeeping.
Election integrity & procedures
The Election Board strives to keep elections efficient, equitable, and effective. While opinions may differ on procedures, voting machines are routinely tested before elections, and access to them between votes is strictly limited. Hamilton County has a strong record of conducting fair and secure elections.
Accessibility & inclusivity
Voters with disabilities or language barriers should check the voter portal for information on accommodations. Ensuring accessibility for all voters is a priority.
Ray Adler is a longtime attorney with offices at The Adler Building, 136 S. 9th St., Downtown Noblesville. He also serves on the County Election Board and is one of the owners of The Hamilton County Reporter Newspaper.