Early voting officially starts across Indiana
EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WFIE) - The 2024 General Election is less than a month away, and the first day of early, in-person voting is officially underway in Indiana.
In Vanderburgh County, election officials have been working diligently for weeks in an effort to make voting in this election as smooth as possible for voters.
“Some people like to say they voted on the first day,” said Marsha Barnhart, Vanderburgh County Clerk. “I did not expect the line to be out the door.”
Indiana is one of a few states that offer early, in-person voting weeks in advance. Barnhart said that it is an effective measure and necessary for those who may not have the time to cast their ballot on Election Day.
“I think people just want to vote early because they know that something could happen. They might be out of town, or something might happen on Election Day. They might be in the hospital and can not vote, so they do not want to wait and chance it. They are just going to go ahead and get their voting done now,” said Barnhart.
Many Vanderburgh County early voters said that the process was super simple and felt as if they were voting on Election Day. For one Indiana resident, the convenience factor of voting early was a huge incentive.
“Being a college student, I am going back from Fall Break today. I am very lucky that I was able to come in and vote while I was home,” said Emma Macke, a first-time early voter and pharmacy student at Purdue University.
“I know a lot of states do not have that opportunity. Especially as a college student, I want my voice to be heard and to be able to come here and do it in my resident county is very special.”
Macke said that voting in this year’s election - whether early or on Election Day - is vital.
“We want to see the betterment of this community, and the country as a whole,” said Macke.
Despite who people cast their vote for, officials and voters both have the same message ahead of this year’s election.
“Just get out and vote. It is very important for us,” said Macke.
“Everybody needs to vote. We would like to have a big percentage. I would love to see well over 50 percent,” said Barnhart.
According to the city of Evansville’s website, early voting starts at 9 a.m. at Central Library.
This will continue every weekday through Friday, November 1.
Early voting hours and locations vary by county.
To find polling locations and times to vote, click here.
In order to vote, you will need a picture ID issued by the State or Federal government.
Big races on the Indiana ballot include the Governor’s Office, a U.S. Senate seat, an Attorney General’s Office and the Presidential race.
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