INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — While all eyes are on the total solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, Indiana residents should also keep an eye on their voter registration.
The deadline to register to vote in Indiana’s upcoming primary is on the same day as a solar eclipse casting a shadow over much of the state. According to the Indiana Division of Elections’ March newsletter, many county offices will be closed on Monday in preparation for the event, but there may be exceptions to the deadline being extended for some voters.
Seven teenagers injured in Indianapolis downtown shooting, police say
“Today is not just a special day for space enthusiasts,” the newsletter states.
The moon covers the sun during a total solar eclipse. Monday, August 21, 2017, Cerulean, Kentucky. The Indiana Division of Elections says many county offices will be closed at the state primary registration deadline to prepare for the election. A celestial phenomenon that will occur on April 8, 2024 will affect large parts of the state. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley)
If county offices are closed on the deadline, the in-person application deadline will be extended until noon the next day, in accordance with state law. That means if county offices are closed on Monday due to the solar eclipse, Hoosiers will have until noon on Tuesday, April 9 to register to vote.
If county offices are open on the day of the eclipse, the in-person registration deadline will not be extended and residents must submit their applications by the end of the office’s business day. Indiana residents are encouraged to check with their county for business hours.
Angela Nussmeyer, co-director of elections, said the office doesn’t know how many counties changed their times because of the eclipse.
In-person voter registration deadlines may change, but online registration deadlines will remain the same. Hoosiers must submit an online application by Monday at 11:59 p.m. to register for the upcoming primary.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
At least a partial solar eclipse will be visible across Indiana, with a 115-mile (185-kilometer) wide path across much of south-central Indiana. Cities with totality underway include Terre Haute, Indianapolis, Bloomington, and Muncie.This celestial event is expected to significantly increase tourism to the state.
The Division of Elections newsletter said that regardless of whether a county is closed for “eclipse day,” early voting will not be delayed and will begin with the opening of county offices on Tuesday.
Indiana’s primary election is May 7th.
