Absentee Voting in the 2020 General Election

Unlike the June 2, 2020 Primary Election, it appears as through state leaders will make changes to allow every voter to cast a ballot by mail. However, certain. voters will be able to apply for a ballot if they meet one of the conditions outlines on the application.

How Does Absentee Voting Work?

Registered voters who are unable to vote in person at their polling place can receive a ballot by mail. After casting their vote, they mail back their ballot to have their vote counted for the election.

Apply to Vote Absentee by Mail Online

Here are the steps you need to take to vote by mail in the 2020 General Election.

  1. Go to the Indiana Voters website
  2. Select “Apply online / print forms” in the “vote by mail or traveling board” box
  3. Select “Visit My Voter Portal” and input your name, DOB, and county to login
  4. Select “Vote By Mail” in the first content box where you are asked if you “want to apply for an Absentee Ballot” to begin the online application.

The Absentee by Mail Application

Tips for Completing the Paper Absentee by Mail Application

Section 1. Information of Absentee Ballot Applicant

  • Provide full name, and date of birth as they appear on your voter registration.
  • Provide address where you are currently registered to vote. To update your voter registration record, visit indianavoter.in.gov or call the Marion County Board of Voter Registration at (317) 327-5040.
  • Provide a telephone number. This will be used to contact you if any issues occur during the process of your application.

Section 2. Absentee Ballot Mailing Address

  • Provide the address where the ballot should be mailed. Only provide a mailing address IF it is different from your voter registration address.

Section 3. Primary Election Only

  • Skip section 3.

Section 4. Reason to Vote by Absentee Mail

  • Check the box for your reason to vote absentee by mail.
  • You must select a reason to vote absentee by mail in the 2020 Presidential Election.

Section 6. Information of Individual Assisting Absentee Ballot Application.

  • If you require assistance completing this application, the person who assisted you must provide their information in Section 6.

Deadline for Election Board to Receive Application to Vote-by-Mail

Thursday, October 22 by 11:59 PM is the deadline for the Election Board to receive a voter’s application to vote absentee by mail in the General Election.

Absentee by Mail Overview

You can vote at home using an absentee ballot for the November 3 Presidential Election. To receive an absentee ballot for the 2020 Presidential Election, you must complete and application and submit it to the Marion County Election Board before 11:59 PM on Thursday, October 22, 2020. Complete the application, sign and date it, and turn it in by the October 22 deadline. Your digital signature is automated when completing the application online in your voter portal on the Indiana Voters website.

Casting your Vote-by-Mail

If your application is approved, you will receive an absentee ballot in the mail.

You can prepare to vote using the Voter Information Portal. It provides information about candidates, a sample ballot, and more.

Fill out your absentee ballot and return it to the Marion County Election board office no later than noon on Election Day. Applications and ballots postmarked by the deadline but received after the deadline cannot be processed.

You must re-apply for an absentee ballot each election.

Marked absentee ballots can be returned by:

  • The voter
  • A member of the voter’s household
  • Family member or caregiver
  • Attorney in fact
  • A United States Postal Worker or bonded courier

The individual delivering the completed ballot must complete the ABS-19 form.

Find More Information

Regularly updated information is available at indy.gov/elections. Please visit the site for the most current news about voting options on Election Day.