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Here's what you need to know if you're voting in Indiana in 2012:

VOTER ID

Indiana residents must present a government-issued photo ID before casting a ballot at the polls on Election Day. Your photo ID must meet four criteria to be acceptable for voting purposes. It must:

  • Display your photo; and
  • Display your name, and the name must conform to your voter registration record; and
  • Display an expiration date and either be current
  • or have expired sometime after the date of the last general election (Nov. 2, 2010);
  • NOTE: An ID issued by the U.S. Department of Defense, a branch of the uniformed services, the Merchant Marine or the Indiana National Guard is not required to have an expiration date, or may state the document has an "indefinite" expiration date; and
  • Be issued by the state of Indiana or the U.S. government.

In most cases, an Indiana driver's license, Indiana photo ID card, military ID or U.S. passport is sufficient.

A student ID from an Indiana state school may be used only if it meets all of the four criteria specified above. A student ID from a private institution may not be used for voting purposes.

If you are unable or unwilling to present ID meeting these requirements, you may cast a provisional ballot. If you cast a provisional ballot, you have until noon 10 days after the election to follow up with the county election board and either provide the necessary documentation or affirm one of the law's exemptions applies to you. If you do not possess an ID that is acceptable for voting purposes, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) will issue you an Indiana State ID Card for free. To obtain a free ID card for voting purposes from any BMV license branch, you will need to supply the necessary documentation as explained on the BMV's Secure ID Documentation List at www.in.gov/bmv/2356.htm or print off the "Documents Required" flier at: www.in.gov/sos/elections/files/LinkClick.pdf to take with you to the BMV. You also may contact the Hoosier Voter Hotline at 1-866-IN-1-VOTE (461-8683) or the BMV at 1-888-myBMV-411 (692-6841).

REGISTRATION

Registering online: If you have a valid Indiana driver's license or Indiana state-issued identification card, you can update your registration or register to vote online at www.indianavoters.com/.

Registering by mail or in person: If you want to register to vote or update your current registration by mail or in person, you will need a valid Indiana driver's license number or the last four digits of your Social Security number. Your completed voter registration form must be received or postmarked 29 days prior to Election Day.

VOTING

How do I find my polling place?

Go to www.indianavoters.com/ or call the Hoosier Voter Hotline at 1-866-IN-1-VOTE (461-8683).

What is a Vote Center?

After immense success in Wayne, Tippecanoe and Cass counties (which piloted the vote centers concept for Indiana from 2007-2010), the Indiana House and Senate passed legislation allowing all Indiana counties the option of becoming vote center counties.

A vote center is a polling place where any eligible voter in the county may go to vote. The vote center model gives voters more flexibility on Election Day because they are not constrained to a specific polling location. Vote centers are connected through secure internet connections, and as ballots are cast an electronic poll book is updated instantaneously.

For more information or to find out about vote centers, go to: www.VoteCenters.IN.gov.

ABSENTEE VOTING

All registered voters in Indiana are eligible to vote absentee in person at the county election board office beginning 29 days before Election Day if one of the following applies:

  • You have a specific, reasonable expectation that you will be absent from the county on Election Day during the entire 12 hours the polls are open (6 a.m. until 6 p.m.);
  • You have a disability;
  • You are at least 65 years of age;You will have official election duties outside of your voting precinct;
  • You are scheduled to work at your regular place of employment during the entire 12 hours the polls are open;
  • You will be confined due to illness or injury or you will be caring for an individual confined due to illness or injury during the entire 12 hours the polls are open;
  • You are prevented from voting because of a religious discipline or religious holiday during the entire 12 hours the polls are open;
  • You are a participant in the state's address confidentiality program; or
  • You are a member of the military or a public safety officer.

Note: Voters voting absentee by mail are NOT required to show photo ID. For more voting information, call the Hoosier Voter Hotline at 1-866-IN-1-VOTE (461-8683) or visit www.in.gov/sos/elections/index.htm.