Indiana Secretary of State Connie Lawson said Indiana is using its normal election process and not a revised process, like the one used for the primary elections. Indiana's stay-at-home order was lifted Wednesday during a virtual press conference on COVID-19 updates.
The state is going to disperse personal protective equipment, such as masks, gloves, sanitizer and sneeze guards, to counties for poll workers and disinfectant for voting equipment, Lawson said. Masks, gloves and sanitizer will be provided for voters.
Lawson said even though normal voting procedures will take place, the state expects that there will still be an increase in absentee voting. According to a graphic displayed at the meeting, the state has predicted between 1.3 to 1.8 million Hoosiers will vote by mail.
As of Wednesday morning, 99,146 people have requested absentee ballots in Indiana. In 2016, 53,818 Hoosiers voted using absentee ballots.
Postmaster General Louis DeJoy said when testifying before Congress that in order for the USPS to deliver and process absentee ballots, they should be requested by Oct. 19 and the completed ballot should be mailed back by Oct. 27, one week before the election date. These dates are not required by Indiana law, Lawson said.
“However, my sage advice would be, don’t wait,” Lawson said. “If you know you are going to vote by mail, apply today.”
People can request their ballot at the Indiana Voter Portal.
To receive an absentee ballot, people need to meet one of the 11 reasons that are outlined on Indiana’s website, Lawson said. Some of these include if someone is working all day or out of town on Election Day. COVID-19 is not a reason. However, there is an exception for those who have been confined to their homes because of injury or illness, Lawson said.
“If you’re confined to your home because you have a condition that puts you at high risk and you are self-isolating, you may qualify to vote absentee by mail,” Lawson said. “But if you are still going to the grocery store and running other errands, you are not confined to your home.”
Lawson said Hoosiers could also vote by going to an early voting location to cast their ballot. Early voting in Indiana this year starts Oct. 6. Counties are required to provide early voting locations and keep those locations open the two Saturdays prior to Election Day.
Counties have not started sending ballots because the Republican National Party has not yet nominated its candidate. After the Republican National Convention is completed, Indiana counties can finalize their ballots, print them and begin mailing them.
The deadline to register to vote is Oct. 5.
