Indiana Lawmakers Propose Cutting Early Voting Period

Amendment would shorten early voting window from 28 to 16 days ahead of May primary

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Indiana lawmakers are considering a bill that would reduce the early voting period ahead of the upcoming May primary election from 28 days to 16 days. The amendment, which was approved by the Indiana Senate Elections Committee, has drawn criticism from the Indiana Democratic Party who argue it will make it harder for Hoosiers to participate in elections. Proponents of the change say it will help cut costs and streamline the election process for local officials.

Why it matters

The proposed changes to Indiana's early voting period are part of a broader debate around election laws and voter access. Supporters argue the amendments will improve election efficiency, while critics contend they are a thinly veiled attempt to suppress voter turnout, especially among certain demographics.

The details

The original House Bill 1359, authored by Republican State Representative Timothy Wesco, focused on rules for when local election officials can scan early voting ballots. However, the Indiana Senate Elections Committee approved an amendment that would shorten the early voting period from 28 days to 16 days. This amendment received no public testimony before being advanced to the full Senate for further consideration.

  • The amendment, if formally approved, would go into effect for the upcoming primary on May 5, 2026.
  • Under the current law, early voting begins on April 7 and concludes on May 4 at noon.

The players

Timothy Wesco

Republican State Representative who authored the original House Bill 1359.

Mike Gaskill

Republican State Senator and Chair of the Indiana Senate Elections Committee, who argued the proposed changes will help cut costs and streamline the election process.

Karen Tallian

Chair of the Indiana Democratic Party, who criticized the amendment as a "desperate, last-ditch attempt of a failing political party trying to hold onto power."

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What they’re saying

“After 20+ years in charge, all Indiana Republicans have delivered are out-of-control utility bills and taxpayer-funded handouts to billionaires. They know Hoosiers are sick of it and the only way they can stay in power this November is if they make it harder to vote.”

— Karen Tallian, Indiana Democratic Party Chair (wane.com)

“Indiana's elections are safe and secure with the current 28 day window of early voting. There's no good explanation to cut that period in half. This is a desperate, last-ditch attempt of a failing political party trying to hold onto power when they know they've lost the support of the people.”

— Karen Tallian, Indiana Democratic Party Chair (wane.com)

What’s next

The full Indiana Senate will now consider the amendment that would shorten the early voting period from 28 days to 16 days ahead of the May 5 primary election.

The takeaway

The proposed changes to Indiana's early voting period highlight the ongoing debate around election laws and voter access. While supporters argue the amendments will improve efficiency, critics contend they are an attempt to suppress voter turnout and maintain political power.