Marion County voters who have been meaning to get to the polls just got a weekend assist. Starting Saturday, the county is switching on eight satellite early-voting locations to give residents more chances to cast a ballot before the May primary. The sites will run through the first weekend ahead of Election Day next Tuesday, while in-person early voting at the City-County Building downtown has already been underway since April 7.
Where To Vote This Weekend
The county’s official Indy Votes listing shows eight satellite locations that will be open during the satellite early-voting window, according to Indy Votes. The sites are:
- Decatur Township Government Center
- Franklin Township Government Center
- Indianapolis Public Library, Fort Ben Branch
- Indianapolis Public Library, Pike Branch
- Krannert Park Community Center
- Perry Township Government Center
- St. Luke’s United Methodist Church
- Warren Township Government Center
Any registered Marion County voter can use any of these locations, so you are not locked into your neighborhood spot if another site is more convenient.
Library Branches Join The Effort
The Indianapolis Public Library has confirmed that its Fort Ben and Pike branches will serve as satellite early-voting sites. The system is also stocking voter registration forms at branches ahead of the primary, positioning itself as a one-stop shop for residents who still need to register or double-check their information before heading to the polls, per the Indianapolis Public Library.
Hours, Access, And What To Bring
Local reporting shows the eight satellite sites will operate daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the satellite early-voting period. The City-County Building has been open for in-person early voting since April 7, and on Election Day all vote centers across Marion County will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., according to WRTV.
Voters are reminded to bring a valid photo ID. Officials also note that any registered Marion County voter may cast a ballot at any early-voting location or any vote center on Election Day, which should help ease the crunch at traditionally busy sites.
Why County Officials Say It Matters
Marion County Clerk Kate Sweeney Bell says the added weekend and pre-Election Day options are about getting the process closer to where people actually live and work. Offering more ways and times to vote “brings the democratic process to even more people,” she told WTHR.
County officials say the expanded schedule is designed to cut down on long lines and give a little breathing room to voters juggling work shifts, family duties, and everything else that tends to pile up right before Election Day.
