INDIANA — In a move that has sparked intense debate over voter access and election integrity, Indiana has officially compressed its early in-person voting window. Once a month-long opportunity for Hoosiers to cast their ballots, the early voting period has been halved from 28 days to 16 days.
The change, which took effect following the 2025 legislative session, will see its first major test this spring as candidates across the state prepare for the 2026 primary elections.
Under the new law, the traditional 28-day window for “absentee-in-person” voting is a thing of the past. For the upcoming primary on May 5, 2026, early voting will no longer begin in early April. Instead, the window will open just two weeks prior to the election.
| Feature | Old Law | New Law (SB 284) |
| Duration | 28 Days | 16 Days |
| End Time | Noon, Day Before Election | Noon, Day Before Election |
| Saturday Voting | Two Saturdays Required | Two Saturdays Required |
Supporters of the legislation argue that the condensed timeframe aligns better with actual voter behavior. Legislative testimony indicated that the vast majority of early voters wait until the final two weeks of the cycle to cast their ballots.
“We see early voting as a balance between convenience and ensuring voters have the most current information,” supporters noted during the bill’s advancement. They argue that a shorter window prevents voters from casting ballots before late-breaking news or candidate debates occur.
The move has drawn sharp criticism from voting rights advocates. Organizations like the ACLU of Indiana point to the state’s historically low voter participation rates, arguing that halving the time available to vote is a hurdle for working families.
Local election officials in high-population areas like Indianapolis and Gary have expressed concerns that cramming the same volume of voters into 16 days instead of 28 will lead to significantly longer lines and increased pressure on poll workers.
Key Dates for the 2026 Primary
As Hoosiers prepare for the new system, here are the dates to keep in mind:
- April 6, 2026: Voter Registration Deadline.
- April 21, 2026: Expected start of the new 16-day early voting window.
- May 4, 2026 (Noon): Early voting ends.
- May 5, 2026: Primary Election Day.
