Voting by mail — officially called absentee voting in Indiana — lets registered voters cast their ballot without going to a polling place on Election Day. It’s a convenient option if you’ll be out of town, have a disability, are age-eligible, or meet other state criteria. Below are the steps you need to follow to request and return your mail ballot successfully. Indiana Government+1

📬 Step 1: Confirm You’re Registered

Before requesting a mail ballot, make sure your voter registration is active and up to date.
✅ Visit the official Indiana voter portal: https://indianavoters.in.gov and use the “Check Registration” feature to verify your status and correct address if needed. Indiana Government

📝 Step 2: Request Your Absentee (Vote by Mail) Ballot

To receive a ballot in the mail, you must submit an Absentee Ballot Application (ABS-Mail) for each election in which you plan to vote by mail. Indiana Government

How to Apply

You have a few options:

1. Online (Fastest)

   • Go to https://indianavoters.in.gov and log in to your voter portal.

   • Select the “ABS-Mail / Vote-by-Mail” option.

   • Fill out and submit the application directly online. No printing or postage required. Indiana Government

2. Paper Application

   • Download and print the ABS-Mail form from the Indiana Election Division.

   • Mail or hand-deliver it to your county election office (addresses are on the form).

   • Include required identification info (like your driver’s license number or last four digits of your SSN). Indiana Government

3. By Email or Mail

   • Some counties accept emailed scanned forms (include ID copy if required). Check with your local election office. Indiana Government

Important Deadline

Your application must be received (not just postmarked) by 11:59 p.m. the 12th day before Election Day to be processed for that election. Indiana Government

🗳️ Step 3: Fill Out Your Absentee Ballot

Once your application is approved, your county election board will mail you the ballot packet. When your ballot arrives:

• Read all instructions carefully.

• Mark your choices clearly on the ballot.

• Sign the ballot envelope where indicated. vote.indy.gov

📮 Step 4: Return Your Ballot

Your completed absentee ballot must be received by your county election office by 6:00 p.m. on Election Day — postmark dates do not count if received late. Indiana Government

Return options include:
📫 U.S. Mail — Use the prepaid return envelope included in your ballot packet.
🏡 Hand Delivery — You may deliver your ballot in person to the election office or an early voting location before polls close.
👨‍👩‍👧 Authorized Person — A household member, family member, or attorney-in-fact may deliver it for you if needed. Justia Law

❗ Tips for Success

✅ Apply early! Waiting until the last minute can delay delivery of your ballot. Indiana Government
✅ Ballots must be received — not just mailed — by the deadline. Indiana Government
✅ Check your ballot status after submitting via the Indiana voter portal to confirm receipt and acceptance. vote.indy.gov
✅ Follow all instructions exactly (signature, sealing envelope, etc.) or your ballot might not be counted. vote.indy.gov

📎 Helpful Official Links

• Indiana Absentee/Vote-by-Mail Info: Indiana Secretary of State – Voter Information (absentee voting) — https://www.in.gov/sos/elections/voter-information/ways-to-vote/absentee-voting/ Indiana Government

• Absentee Ballot Application Portal: IndianaVoters – https://indianavoters.in.gov Indiana Government

• General Voter FAQs: Indiana Election Division (absentee ballot FAQs) — https://faqs.in.gov/hc/en-us/articles/115005046187-How-do-I-vote-by-absentee-ballot IN.gov

Voting by mail helps ensure that every eligible Hoosier can participate in elections, even if they can’t make it to the polls in person. With a little planning and these simple steps, you can make sure your voice is heard!