Only use this option if for some reason you are unable to register/update online. For example, register by mail if you don’t have an IN Driver’s License/State ID.
As a college student should I use my school or home address to vote?
Many students prefer to register in their home state especially if they’re planning to move back after college. If you’re registered to vote in your home state, though, make sure to request an absentee ballot.
You can register to vote in your college state as long as you aren’t also registered to vote in your home state. You can only vote in the state you’re registered in. Some students prefer to register in their college state if they’re involved in things like local political organizations or activist groups.
Students with scholarships or tuition that require residency should check with their financial aid office before registering to vote back home. For example, if you have a scholarship that requires Indiana residency, you should ensure that registering to vote in a different state will not affect your status.
You have a right to register to vote at the address you consider the place where you live, whether that is your family's home or the place where you attend school.
Make sure to have the ballot sent to you at the address you plan to be at when it arrives
If you intend to request an absentee ballot by mail, fill out this application in blue or black pen and ensure that you sign with the same signature you used to register to vote. Then mail the application to your local elections authority.
If you've voted in Indiana before or provided ID at the time of registration, you don't need to provide ID to vote by mail.
If you're a first time Indiana voter who registered by mail and you didn't provide ID when you registered, you'll need to provide a copy of one of the following forms of ID along with your mail ballot:
A copy of a current photo ID showing your name and photograph
A copy of a current utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows your name and address (excluding a voter information card)
Read this article to learn about how your state may verify absentee ballots. There’s also a chance your ballot may tell you it needs to be signed in the presence of a witness or notary public, so if this applies to you see the How to Vote Absentee PowerPoint for more information.
Common Issues and Questions
What if I don't have an IN Driver's License/State ID and/or SSN?
If you don’t have an IN Driver’s License/State ID you can still register to vote/submit an absentee ballot by using your social security number (SSN). It’s better to use your Driver’s License/State ID, though.
If you don’t have any of these things you may check “None” in box 12 of the paper application and a unique IN Voter Identification Number will be assigned to you. If registering without an IN State ID number or SSN, you must also provide an approved proof of residence document from the list below along with your application.
Acceptable proof of residency documents can be a copy of any of the following as long as it shows the voter’s name and current home address as provided in the application:
A current utility bill
A current bank statement
A government check
A paycheck stub
A government document
What if the name or address on my ID is incorrect?
The name or address on your ID doesn’t have to be current, however, you must provide an up-to-date name, home, and mailing address for your voter registration. This means that if your information has changed since you last registered to vote, you need to update/re-register.
Does where I register to vote affect my financial aid?
No, it will not affect any federal financial aid, including Pell Grants, Perkins and Stafford Loans, Academic Competitive Grants, SMART Grants, and other federal loans. Some private scholarships and grants are designated for residents of a particular place, so it is good to check with the administrator of the program to see how they determine residency.
Does where I register to vote affect my health insurance?
No, where you register to vote will not affect your health insurance.
Does where I register to vote affect whether my parents can claim me on their taxes?
No, a parent can still claim a child on their taxes, no matter where they are registered to vote.
Make sure that your signature on anything you submit regarding voting (e.g., absentee ballots or voter registration) matches the one on your IN State ID/Driver’s License
You can still vote absentee if you’re studying abroad. Usa.gov is a great resource for anyone needing to vote overseas.