About this Initiative

Cardinals Vote! is an exciting partnership project between the Center for Economic and Civic Learning the Office of Student Life and the Office of Community Engagement at Ball State. Our mission is to share voter information and non-partisan civic engagement across the University and our surrounding community. We believe in the power of informed citizens and active participation in the democratic process. 

Read a recent Policy Brief on student voting trends at Ball State here. 

Ball State has been awarded the Highly Established Action Plan Seal by the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge for its outstanding efforts in developing a nonpartisan democratic engagement action plan. The 2024-2025 Ball State University ALL IN 2023 Action Plan, based on the Strengthening American Democracy Action Planning Guide (SADG) Rubric, has earned recognition as one of the top initiatives in the nation for promoting civic learning, community engagement, and college student voter participation.

Ball State is one of only 93 campuses nationwide to receive this prestigious recognition for the 2024 election cycle. The university’s commitment to fostering democratic engagement has been acknowledged through the Highly Established Action Plan Seal, showcasing its dedication to empowering students and the broader community with the knowledge and resources necessary for active participation in the democratic process.

For inquiries, partnership opportunities, or to share your ideas, please contact the Center for Economic and Civic Learning at cecl@bsu.edu or contact David J. Roof at djroof@bsu.edu

 

 

Check Your Indiana Voter Status, Poll Location and More

Key Info for Indiana Voters

Registration Deadline — 29 days before the election.Your state voter ID number is your ten digit Indiana issued driver’s license number.If you do not possess an Indiana driver’s license then provide the last four digits of your social security number.

To Register in Indiana You Must:

Be a citizen of the United StatesHave resided in the precinct at least 30 days before the next electionBe at least 18 years of age on the day of the next general election. Not currently be in jail for a criminal conviction. Register online HERE

 Click here if you need an Application for Absentee Ballot by Mail.

Take the Pledge

 

Indiana 2026 Voting & Election Key Dates

  • April 6, 2026: Deadline for VOTER REGISTRATION for the 2026 Primary Election. All voter registration applications must be submitted (in person, by mail postmarked by this date, or online) by close of business.
  • April 7, 2026: First day of EARLY IN-PERSON VOTING for the 2026 Primary Election. Early voting is available beginning on this date. (ACLU Yes! You Can Vote, 2025)
  • May 5, 2026: PRIMARY ELECTION DAY. Polls are open 6:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. statewide.
  • May 19, 2026: Voter registration OPENS for the 2026 General Election. This is the first day after the primary election that eligible Hoosiers may register to vote for the general cycle.
  • October 5, 2026: Deadline for VOTER REGISTRATION for the 2026 General Election. All voter registration applications must be received or postmarked by this date.
  • Early October 2026 (approx. October 6, 2026): EARLY IN-PERSON VOTING opens for the 2026 General Election. Indiana law permits early voting beginning 28 days before Election Day.
  • October 24, 2026: Advanced absentee/in-person absentee voting requirement. County clerks must be open for in-person absentee voting for at least seven hours. Smaller counties may reduce this to four hours by majority vote.
  • November 3, 2026: GENERAL ELECTION DAY. Polls are open 6:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. statewide.
  • November 6, 2026: Deadline for county election boards to enter provisional ballot information into the statewide voter registration system (SVRS). This reflects final confirmation of provisional voting outcomes.
  • December 1 or later 2026: VOTER REGISTRATION REOPENS for future municipal and special elections.

 

Notes on Absentee Ballot Requests & Returns (2026)

  • Absentee ballot applications must generally be received by county election officials approximately 12 days before Election Day to be counted, but exact statutory deadlines vary by category (e.g., military, overseas) and can extend under federal provisions for Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act (UOCAVA).
  • Absentee ballots returned by mail must be received by 6:00 p.m. on Election Day to be counted; ballots postmarked by that deadline but received later may not be processed.

Register to Vote in Indiana

For more information and updates, visit the Indiana Voter Portal at indianavoters.com.

Register to Vote

Election Day: Polls will be open from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., prevailing local time. Make your voice heard!

For more detailed information, visit the Indiana Voter Portal at indianavoters.com.

 

Get Involved Now

Woman with blond hair typing on in a voting ballad boothEmpowerment through Information: Provide accurate and comprehensive voter information to the Ball State University community and beyond.

Foster Civic Engagement: Encourage active participation in civic activities, discussions, and events that contribute to a vibrant democratic society.

Partnerships for Impact: Collaborate with community organizations, student groups, and faculty to amplify our collective impact on civic education and engagement.

Register to Vote: Access resources to register to vote, check your voter status, and find polling locations.

Educational Resources: Explore informative materials on the electoral process, candidates, and important issues.

Events and Workshops: Stay informed about upcoming events, workshops, and discussions related to civic engagement.

Volunteer Opportunities: Contribute your time and skills to local initiatives, voter registration drives, and community outreach efforts.

Join the Conversation: Follow us on social media for updates, share your thoughts, and engage with fellow Cardinals using #CardinalsVote!

Attend Events: Check our calendar for upcoming events, workshops, and activities designed to enhance your civic knowledge and involvement.

Spread the Word: Help us reach a wider audience by sharing Cardinals Vote! resources with your friends, family, and community.

Community-Engaged Alliance

Student Life

Community Engagement

Student Government Association

 For inquiries, partnership opportunities, or to share your ideas, please contact the Center for Economic and Civic Learning at cecl@bsu.edu or contact David J. Roof at djroof@bsu.edu