Indiana Midterm Election Guide: What you need to know before you head to the polls
Some of the big issues sending voters to the polls are abortion, inflation, and control of the U.S. Senate.
Election Day is Nov. 8 and here’s what Hoosiers need to know before heading to the polls.
Some of the hot ticket issues include the state’s abortion ban and the economy. Democrats are looking to pick up seats in hopes of breaking the Republican supermajority.
WHAS11 News are looking at various races Hoosiers should pay attention to.
Voting in Kentucky? Visit our Midterm Election guide for the Bluegrass here.
Do I need an ID to vote in Indiana?
You will need to show photo ID to vote in Indiana.
Your photo ID must display your name, an expiration date (can be current or expired sometime after November 3, 2020), and be issued by the State of Indiana or the US government.
Acceptable forms include:
- Indiana driver's license or Indiana-issued photo ID card
- military ID
- US Passport
- student ID from an Indiana State school if it meets the above requirements (student ID from a private institution may not be used for voting purposes)
If you're a first-time voter who registered by mail, you will also need to provide proof of residence to vote.
Acceptable forms include (must show current name and current address):
- Indiana driver's license or Indiana-issued ID card
- any current and valid photo ID issued by the US government, State of Indiana, or a Native American Indian tribe or band recognized by the United States government
- current utility bill
- bank statement
- government check
- paycheck
- other government document
Voters without ID: If you are unable or unwilling to present ID meeting these requirements, you may cast a provisional ballot. If you cast a provisional ballot, you have until noon 10 days after the election to follow up with the county election board and either provide the necessary documentation or affirm one of the law's exemptions applies to you.
When do polls open?
Polls in Indiana are open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. As long as you are in line by 6 p.m., you will be able to cast your vote.
How do I find my polling center?
Meet The Candidates Key Indiana Races
Indiana U.S. Senate
Senator Todd Young (R)
There are many races across the country that are being watched, including the Indiana Senate race. Senator Todd Young is seeking another term despite not receiving an endorsement from former President Donald Trump.
Young also voted to acquit Trump during his Senate Impeachment Hearings and also voted to uphold President Biden’s election win.
The Republican currently serves on various committees including Foreign Relations and Small Business and entrepreneurship.
Thomas McDermott (D)
McDermott has been serving as mayor of Hammond in northwest Indiana since 2004. The Democratic challenger and U.S. Navy veteran is looking to unseat Young by bringing “common sense” and “problem solving” to the Senate.
According to his campaign website, Young has been using his “real world experience” and “old-fashioned love” for his roots to appeal to Indiana’s working class. As mayor, he said that he brought in $1 billion in economic development to the Hoosier state’s 8th largest city.
“I don’t owe anyone in DC any favors — and that’s how you know I’ll stand up for Hoosiers,” he says on his website.
Indiana 9th Congressional District
Matthew Fyfe (D)
Teacher Matt Fyfe said his Congressional run was fueled by the need for more public servants in office and not career politicians. He said he wants to limit the power of lobbying groups and prioritize Hoosiers.
Fyfe wants voters to know that together, he wants to make sure representatives understand the hopes, struggles and issues affecting Hoosiers and will fight for a future that inspires.
Erin Houchin (R)
Former Rep. Erin Houchin left her State Senate seat after eight years for a Congressional run. The staunch conservative says she is “pro-life, pro-Second Amendment and will always back the blue.” She says if elected, she will be against “runaway spending causing record inflation” and will put a stop to illegal immigration.
According to her campaign website, Houchin previously served as southeast regional director for former Senator Dan Coats.
Secretary of State
Destiny Wells (D)
The attorney and Army reserve lieutenant says the secretary of state’s office should prioritize Indiana’s issues with low voter turnout. Wells has criticized Republican Diego Morales for fearmongering and raising doubts about free and fair elections.
Diego Morales (R)
Morales has been calling for tighter voting restrictions in Indiana and has been criticized for calling the 2020 election a “scam.”
He has also been under scrutiny for overemphasizing his military service. According to the AP, military records show he had less than four months of active service. He has worked in low-level secretary of state jobs in 2009 and 2011 but left them after job performance write-ups.
Morales most recent stint in state government was service on Mike Pence’s gubernatorial staff until Pence left to take the vice president job under former President Donald Trump.
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