(INDIANAPOLIS) - Indiana lawmakers are considering a major change to this year's primary election that would shorten the state's early voting period from 28 days to 16.
The Senate Elections Committee approved an amendment to House Bill 1359 that would shift the start of early voting to April 19 while keeping the end date at noon on May 4, just one day before the May 5 primary. Under current law, early voting would begin April 7.
The bill originally dealt with technical procedures for handling early ballots, but the shortened voting window was added later without public testimony. Supporters say the change would reduce costs and simplify operations for county election officials. Opponents argue it would make voting less accessible, particularly for people who rely on flexible schedules to cast ballots before Election Day.
The proposal now moves to the full Senate. If approved and signed into law, the new timeline would take effect immediately for the upcoming primary.