INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana's primary election, initially scheduled for May 5, has been postponed to June 2.
All dates related to the primary election have also been moved back 28 days. For example, military and overseas ballots are required to mailed 45 days prior to the primary election, so they’ll move 45 days prior to June 2.
“The right of citizens to elect their leaders in a free and open election is one of the cornerstones of America. In order to balance that right with the safety of county employees, poll workers and voters, delaying Indiana’s primary election is the right move as we continue to do all we can to protect Hoosiers’ health,” Gov. Holcomb said.
Holcomb, as well as Indiana Secretary of State Connie Lawson made the following recommendations to the Indiana Election Commission:
- Suspend absentee by-mail rules to allow all Hoosiers the option to vote by mail in the upcoming primary election.
- Allow county clerks to continually mail ballots from now through 12 days out from the new primary election date.
- Confirm ballots with a May 5, 2020 date will be valid.
- Enable medical professionals to be eligible members of traveling boards to vote nursing home and hospital patients.
- Give family members the ability to deliver absentee ballots. Currently only a member of a voter’s household may take possession of their ballot.
The Indiana Election Commission will meet on March 25 to discuss the recommendations.
