Indiana voters who have recently changed their name or citizenship status should review voter ID requirements before heading to the polls.
Linda Hanson, president of the League of Women Voters of Indiana, said the requirements remain mostly unchanged because the SAVE Act didn’t pass the U.S. Senate.
The SAVE Act is a proposed federal law that would require voters to prove they are American citizens before registering. Hanson said the SAVE Act would have required anyone who changed their name — including married persons who changed their name — to provide a birth certificate, court-issued name change documents, Social Security name change documents and proof of residence.
Still, Hanson outlined what voters should bring, and what to do if their photo ID doesn’t match their registration record or is questioned at the polls.
What should I bring to the polls?
Indiana voters must bring a federal-or state-issued photo ID displaying their photo and a name matching their voter registration record. It must be current or have expired after Nov. 5, 2024.
Student IDs are not accepted for voting in Indiana, Hanson said.
What if my name has changed?
If the name on your photo ID does not match the name on your voter registration, you may be issued a provisional ballot, or you have the right to request one if one isn’t offered to you.
Poll workers cannot update voter registration records at a polling place, Hanson said. They can provide a provisional ballot and explain how to resolve the issue with county election officials.
What happens if I cast a provisional ballot?
A provisional ballot records your vote while election officials confirm your eligibility. It is not automatically counted.
Hanson said voters may be able to resolve a name discrepancy by providing documentation, such as a marriage certificate or court-issued name-change document. Voters should ask poll workers which documents are required and how to submit them to the county election officials.
The deadline to resolve a provisional ballot is noon Nov. 13.
Voters whose citizenship status has recently changed may need to provide naturalization paperwork, Hanson said. County election officials can confirm which documents are required.
Where can I find help?
Hanson said voters looking for nonpartisan help can contact the Election Protection hotline at 1-800-OUR-VOTE. The organization provides guidance on voting rights and navigating election processes, she said.
“Tell everyone to vote,” Hanson said. “It really needs all of us to make this democracy work.”
Voters can find their voting location here.
Early voting is open Saturday and Monday, check your local polling site for exact times. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3; polls are open from 6 am to 6 pm.
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FPI News reporter Elyse Perry covers issues relating to women and girls across the state. Reach her at 574-870-3950 or elyse.perry@fpinews.org.
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