INDIANAPOLIS — While there are five months left in 2025, some Indiana residents may already be looking forward to 2026’s state and federal general election.
According to officials with the Indiana Secretary of State’s office, the state’s next primary election is on May 5, 2026, and the next general election day for the state of Indiana will be on Nov. 3, 2026. This election is expected to include members of the U.S. House of Representatives, along with other statewide and local races.
The office recently released a calendar of election-related dates that impact Indiana residents, as well as the candidates running for office in the state. Some of the key dates in 2026 include:
- Jan. 7, 2025: First day a candidate can file a declaration of candidacy for a major political primary nomination. First day an independent or minor party candidate may file a petition of nomination. First day to file a declaration of intent to be a write-in candidate.
- Feb. 6, 2025: Deadline by 12 p.m. to file a declaration of candidacy for a major political primary nomination.
- Feb. 13, 2026: Deadline by 12 p.m. to file a withdrawal of candidacy for the primary election,
- March 21, 2026: Deadline for the county election board to mail primary election absentee ballots to voters who filed an approved application.
- April 6, 2026: Voter registration ends.
- April 7, 2026: First day a voter may early vote in the office of the circuit court clerk or a satellite office.
- May 5, 2026: Primary Election Day
- May 8, 2026: First day a Democratic or Republican state or county party to fill a ballot vacancy where no candidate filed to run for an office at the primary election.
- May 19, 2026: Voter registration opens; First day a clerk can receive absentee ballot applications
- July 15, 2026: Deadline for any candidate to voluntarily withdraw from the general election ballot
- Oct. 5, 2026: Voter registration ends
- Oct. 6, 2026: First day a voter may early vote in the office of the circuit court clerk or a satellite office.
- Nov. 3, 2026: General Election Day
“As a naturalized U.S. citizen, I deeply value the right to vote and the responsibility that comes with safeguarding our elections,” Diego Morales, the secretary of state for the state of Indiana, said in a news release. Hoosiers deserve clear information about when and how to vote. Our office is committed to ensuring that every eligible voter has the resources they need to make informed decisions.”
For a look at documents and election-related forms you may need for the 2026 general election, click here.
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