The Indiana Election Commission has officially signed off on several recommended changes to this year’s primary. It’s been moved from May 5 to June 2, due to concerns about COVID-19.
The Indiana Secretary of State’s Office says the election commission issued an order Wednesday finalizing a number of related changes designed to make it easier for Hoosiers to vote. Among other things, it allows everyone to vote by mail without having to give a specific reason.
Family members and caregivers will also be allowed to personally deliver and return ballots for confined voters, while counties are encouraged to appoint medical professionals to travel boards. County election boards may also consolidate polling places and vote centers and take spacing measures to ensure voters’ safety.
Additionally, officials may begin counting ballots at 6:00 a.m. on Election Day. All dates related to the primary election will be moved by 28 days, and county election boards are temporarily allowed to meet electronically, rather than in person.
The changes finalized Wednesday will only apply to the June 2 primary. Many of them were first announced by Secretary of State Connie Lawson on Friday. The Indiana Election Commission will accept public comments on plans for the primary election at elections@iec.in.gov.
