Mail-In Voting is Proceeding as Planned, says Lake County Board of Elections and Registration

September 15, 2026: Crown Point, Indiana

Due to a high number of inquiries, the Lake County Board of Elections and Registration (LCBER) is reassuring voters that mail-in voting is proceeding as planned. Any Lake County voter can submit an application for an absentee ballot, using one of 12 qualifying reasons, until 10/22/26. The LCBER will begin mailing paper ballots to approved applicants on 9/19/26. They can return their ballot using the postage-paid, first-class mail envelope included in their ballot packet. Voters have until 6pm Election Day, 11/03/26, to return their ballot to the LCBER’s main office.

“Many Hoosiers don’t realize that the State of Indiana is a national leader in election security,” says LCBER director Michelle Fajman. “We are 100% confident that our mail in voting will comply with any new legal standards.”

Adds assistant director Lori O’Dea: “Our focus is ensuring all Lake County elections comply with state and federal laws. We continue to offer absentee voting as specified by Indiana state law.”

The State of Indiana provides multiple ways for voters who request a mail-in ballot to return it beyond the mail. Any voter is welcome to return their paper ballot in person at any Early Voting site through 11/02/26 and to the LCBER office through 6pm 11/03/26. A member of their family or household can also return their ballot for them in-person.

Voters who request an absentee ballot can surrender their 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. Qualified voters who are confined due to illness or injury or caring for someone who qualifies can apply to vote by travel board, where a bipartisan team – one Democrat, one Republican – bring a voting machine to their residence. Applications for travel board are accepted until noon on 11/02/26, and all visits must be completed by 6pm 11/02/26.

“We’re proud that the State of Indiana offers voters so many safe, secure ways to cast their ballot,” says LCBER Director Michelle Fajman. “Any voter with questions can visit our website, check our Facebook page, or call us at 219.755.3795. We will keep the community up to date with accurate information.”

Voters with questions about mail in voting or storm damage can read the LCBER FAQ page here.

Press Contact
Michelle Fajman
Director, Lake County Board of Elections and Registration
fajmamr@lakecountyin.gov
219.755.3795