What are the important voting dates for 2023?

  • Deadline to register to vote in the general election: October 9, 2023

  • Deadline for county to receive application for absentee ballot for the election: October 26, 2023 by 11:59 p.m.

  • Election Date: November 7, 2023

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When and where can I vote early?

Citizens can cast votes early for the 2023 election from October 16th, 2023 to November 6th, 2023 (Monday - Friday, 8am - 5pm, ending noon November 6th), Saturday, October 28th and Saturday November 4th (8am-3pm), at the following location:

Citizens can also cast votes early for the 2023 election on Saturday, October 28th and Saturday November 4th (8am-3pm), at the following location:

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How do I register to vote?

According to Bartholomew County website there are three ways you can register to vote:

  1. Go into the Voter Registration office located on the first floor of the courthouse, directly across from the security station;

  2. Register online at the Indiana Voter's website; or

  3. Download the Voter Registration Application (VRG-7) and mail it to:

    234 Washington Street
    P.O. Box 924
    Columbus, IN 47201

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Are the polls accessible to people with disabilities?

Yes, according to the Indiana Voter’s Bill of Rights: “You have the right to a polling place that is accessible to a person with disabilities.”

For more information check out the Voting Guide created by Hoosiers Vote.

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Can I get assistance when voting?

Yes, according to the Indiana Voter’s Bill of Rights, voting assistance is available to anyone with the following circumstances:

A voter may be assisted in the voting booth ONLY IF:

1. You have a disability (permanent or temporary) or are unable to read or write the English language -AND

2. Before entering the voting booth, you request assistance.

The individuals who are assisting the voter must follow the guidelines below:

If requested, the following individuals may assist a voter:

1. The voter may designate anyone to assist the voter (a relative, or friend). However, you may NOT designate your employer or union representative.

2. If you request assistance but do not designate someone else to help you, BOTH judges must accompany the voter into the voting booth to assist the voter.

Completing the Affidavit of Voter Assistance at the Polls - Any person providing assistance to a voter (including the judges) must complete the Affidavit of Voter Assistance at the Polls (PRE-3) BEFORE entering the voting booth to assist a voter.

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What’s the difference between early voting and absentee voting?

Early Voting is a period prior to the election when an individual can cast his or her vote. Early voting begins 28 days before election day and continues until noon on the day before the election. Unlike absentee voting, you do not need a reason to be able to cast your vote early.

Absentee Voting is more restrictive than early voting because you must have at least one reason from a list of 11 to cast your vote early. Absentee voting is done by mail in Indiana. See “How do I register to vote with an absentee ballot?” to learn more.

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Step 1: Confirm you meet the requirements to cast an absentee ballot

From the State of Indiana website, to vote absentee-by-mail, one of the following must apply:

  • You have a specific, reasonable expectation that you will be absent from the county on Election Day during the entire 12 hours that the polls are open (6 am until 6 pm).

  • You have a disability.

  • You are at least 65 years of age.

  • You will have official election duties outside of your voting precinct.

  • You are scheduled to work at your regular place of employment during the entire 12 hours that the polls are open.

  • You will be confined due to illness or injury or you will be caring for an individual confined due to illness or injury during the entire 12 hours that the polls are open.

  • You are prevented from voting because of a religious discipline or religious holiday during the entire 12 hours that the polls are open.

  • You are a participant in the state's address confidentiality program.

  • You are a member of the military or a public safety officer.

  • You are a "serious sex offender" as defined in Indiana Code 35-42-4-14(a).

  • You are prevented from voting due to the unavailability of transportation to the polls

Step 2: Complete the “Application for absentee ballot by mail only in 2023 form (State Form 47090)”

If one of the reasons from step 1 applies to you, then you’ll need to fill out the following form:

Make sure you save or print the completed form so you can send it in.

Step 2a: Register Online

Hoosier voters who are currently registered to vote can file an absentee application:

Online at indianavoters.com by logging in to their “my voter portal page” by entering the requested information exactly as it appears on their voter registration record. When on the main landing page, the voter selects the “ABS-Mail (Por Correo)” option and enters the information as prompted. After clicking “submit,” a confirmation screen appears that allows the voter to download and retain a copy for their records. There is no need to sign and return the online submission since the system applies the voter’s registration signature to the application on the back-end.

  • If you choose to complete the absentee ballot online, you have completed the process and do NOT need to proceed to step 3.

Step 3: Mail, e-mail, fax, or hand-deliver the application form so the county election board receives it by the deadline

Mailing Address:

  • Bartholomew County Clerk
    234 Washington Street
    P.O. Box 924
    Columbus, IN 47202

E-mail Address:

  • Email Taylor Seegraves, the Supervisor of Voter Registration and Elections: 

    • taylor.seegraves@bartholomew.in.gov

Fax Number:

  • 812-379-1676

Hand-delivery Address:

  • 234 Washington Street
    Columbus, IN 47202

 

Deadlines for county to receive your application for absentee ballot by mail only:

  • For November 7th, 2023 Election, the deadline for the county to RECEIVE is October 26th, 2023 BY 11:59 p.m.

Step 4: Once you receive the absentee ballot in the mail, fill it out and return it by mail.

After you receive your ballot, you’ll need to complete it and mail it according to the instructions provided. Congratulations you just voted by absentee ballot!

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What does “at-large” mean?

Everybody in the City of Columbus lives in a district, but EVERYONE, no matter where you live, can vote for at-large candidates.

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