Gov. Holcomb Postpones Indiana Primary Election

Along with this, all corresponding dates with the primary election will be moved by 28 days to reflect the new date of the primary.

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(Indianapolis, Ind.) - Governor Eric Holcomb along with Secretary of State Connie Lawson, Republican Party Chair Kyle Hupfer and Democratic Party Chair John Zody, that Indiana’s primary election will be moved from May 5 to June 2.

Along with this, all corresponding dates with the primary election will be moved by 28 days to reflect the new date of the primary.

 “The right of citizens to elect their leaders in a free and open election is one of the cornerstones of America. In order to balance that right with the safety of county employees, poll workers and voters, delaying Indiana’s primary election is the right move as we continue to do all we can to protect Hoosiers’ health,” said Gov. Holcomb.

In addition to this change the four also made recommendations to the Indiana Election Commission as well, they suggested to Suspend absentee by-mail rules to allow all Hoosiers the option to vote by mail in the upcoming primary election, allow county clerks to continually mail ballots from now through 12 days out from the new primary election date, confirm ballots with a May 5 date will be valid,

They also recommended enabling medical professionals to be eligible members of traveling boards to vote for nursing home and hospital patients, give family members the ability to deliver absentee ballots. Currently, only a member of a voter’s household may take possession of their ballot.

“As Indiana’s Chief Election Officer, it is my top priority to protect our elections, but, above all else, it is my duty to protect the health and safety of Hoosiers,” said Secretary Lawson. “I believe the bi-partisan recommendations we have asked the Indiana Election Commission to take will allow us to provide all Hoosiers the opportunity to vote.

Gov. Holcomb signed an executive order to suspend Indiana’s election statute and move the dates. The executive order is posted here: https://www.in.gov/gov/2384.htm.

Indiana Election Commission Chairman Paul Okeson has called a meeting of the Indiana Election Commission on Wednesday, March 25 at 10 a.m. to discuss the recommendations. The meeting will be held in the south atrium of the Indiana Statehouse.