accessIndiana

If you are from another state and are attending college in Indiana you need to vote absentee by mail or change your permanent residence from your home state to Indiana.

According to Indiana State law (Indiana Code 3-5-5-7), a person does not gain residency in a precinct for which the person has moved only for temporary employment, educational purposes, or other purposes without the intent of making a permanent home in the precinct.

In other words, unless you intend to make the county where your school is located your permanent residence and become an Indiana citizen; you need to register to vote in your home state and vote absentee by mail. Becoming an Indiana resident includes obtaining an Indiana State Driver’s license and an Indiana registration for your vehicle if applicable.

It is not possible to split the concept of residency to qualify for privileges of Indiana residents (such as voting) without also accepting the responsibilities of its residents, including the need to obtain a current Indiana driver’s license if you operate a motor vehicle, and also obtain a current Indiana registration plate for any motor vehicle, which you own and operate within the State of Indiana.

Again, if you do change your permanent residence to Indiana, as a first-time voter in Indiana, you will be required to present documents at the polls that confirm your residence address. Acceptable documents include:

1. Indiana Driver’s License or Bureau of Motor Vehicles identification card, with the voter’s current name and address. (Code DL)
2. Any current and valid photo ID that contains the voter’s current name and address. (Code PH)
3. A current utility bill, with the voter’s current name and address. (Code UB)
4. A bank statement, with the voter’s current name and address. (Code BK)
5. Government check with the voter’s current name and address. (Code GV)
6. Paycheck with the voter’s current name and address. (Code PY)
7. Other government document that shows voter’s current name and address. (Code GD)

NOTE: This is in addition to the photo ID requirement, which is to confirm your identity.

If you register from your Indiana residence you will no longer be eligible to vote on issues or candidates from your previous home state.

Contact your home state election official, if you need information on registering to vote, or voting absentee in your home state.

For further information on Indiana elections you should contact the HAVA Office of the Indiana Election Division and the Secretary of State at (317) 232-6541.