It’s been an unusual few weeks in Lake County. From storms to mail-in voting, we’re getting some urgent requests for guidance. Here are the most common issues on voter’s minds right now:
POWER AND STORMS
Q. I had to leave my residence after the storm. Do I need to change my voter registration address?
If you’re staying elsewhere and you intend to return to your current registration address once repairs are complete or your circumstances change, you can maintain your registration and vote in your current assigned polling location on Election Day. Or you can vote in any of our eleven Early Voting sites starting October 6. If you plan to move permanently, you should update your voter registration address to your new residence once your move is complete.
Q. Where do I vote if my drivers license address is different than my voter’s registration?
When we look at your ID at the polls, we’re only checking these four things:
-
- Does your name conform to your voter’s registration?
- Does your picture look like you?
- Does your ID have an expiration date after 11/05/24
- Is it issued by the US government or the State of Indiana?
Regardless of what address is listed on your photo ID, you can vote at any of our eleven Early Voting sites from 10/06 to noon 11/02 and at the polling location for your voter registration address on Election Day on 11/03. FYI, all Early Voting sites are closed on Monday, 10/12 for the federal holiday.
Q. What happens if the power goes out on Election Day?
The vote goes on! The Lake County Board of Elections and Registration has a full, detailed emergency plan developed in conjunction with Lake County Emergency Management, Homeland Security, local and county law enforcement, and other agencies. These contingency plans include back-up generators, independent wi-fi, secure back-up ballot processing locations, and more. And if all else fails, we’ll have plenty of emergency paper ballots on hand to ensure every Lake County voter can cast a ballot on Election Day.
Q. My favorite early voting location or my polling place is currently closed due to storm damage. Where will I be voting?
All current Early Voting locations and Election Day polling locations remain the same. We will announce changes on our website with updated lists. You can view the current polling location lists here:
If your precinct Election Day voting location changes, you will receive a postcard in the mail. We will be publishing final election day precinct voting location lists in the coming weeks. You can always check your location at indianavoters.com or call us at 219.755.3795.
MAIL-IN VOTING
Q. Is mail-in voting still happening?
Absolutely. The State of Indiana is moving forward using the same Early Voting processes and procedures as we used in the May 2026 primary. Here are the key dates:
-
- Your signed application must reach us on or before 11:59pm 10/22/26
- We begin mailing out ballots on 9/19/26
- Your paper ballot must be received by our office by or before 6pm CT 11/3/26
Q. If I want to return my paper ballot in person, can I?
Yes. You can return your completed ballot to our office by 6pm on 11/3/26 or at an Early Voting site while they are open. A household or family member can also drop it off for you, they’ll just need to complete an affidavit when they return the ballot.
Q. I requested an Absentee Ballot. Can I change my mind and vote in person?
Yes. You can surrender your blank or damaged paper ballot, or report a lost ballot, in person at any Early Voting site or Election Day polling location and vote there.
We know our community has gone through many changes these last few weeks. If you have any questions about your voter’s registration or the election this November, email us at elections@lakecountyin.org or call 219.755.3795. Our staff is waiting to help! You can also visit our 2026 Election Central online hub to find resources and up-to-date information.
Want to stay in the know? Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and share our posts.