Stakeholder Update: Election Season – Timelines & Tossups

Labor Day used to mark the start of ‘campaign season.’ These days, political campaigns are year-round exercises, but we’re headed into the homestretch – just 53 days until November 6^th (but who’s counting?).

The Indiana Senate race has turned into one of the most closely watched contests in the nation, a potential bellwether for control of the upper chamber of Congress, and recent polling puts the campaign squarely in the ‘tossup’ category.

If you want to hear more from the candidates themselves on the issues beyond the barrage of :30-second ads, you’re in luck – there are still spots available for the Indy Chamber’s 2018 Hob Nob Senate debate watch party.  Join us on October 30^th for a last look at the candidates before they head into the frenetic last week of campaigning…we expect some fireworks.

While there’s plenty of focus on the Senate race, voters in the Indianapolis Public Schools district need to do their homework on the candidates and issues that will shape the future of public education – and our economy – for generations to come.

The Chamber is proud to endorse IPS board members Mary Anne Sullivan (at-large) and Dorene Rodriguez Hoops (District 5), along with Evan Hawkins for District 3 seat.  We also strongly support the two IPS referenda: $52 million for building projects focused on school safety, and $220 million to support higher salaries for educators and protect academic progress in the state’s largest school district.

Not to be forgotten in this important election cycle is the Indiana State senate race. The Chamber is happy to support JD Ford candidate for state senate District 29.

To get involved and make sure your voice is heard, here are a few key deadlines and resources to keep in mind before November 6^th:

• October 9: Voter Registration Ends
• October 10: First day that a voter may vote an absentee ballot for the 2018 general election in the office of the county election board or a satellite facility
• October 26: Early voting begins in Marion County
• October 29: Deadline for absentee-by-mail applications to be received by the county office for the 2018 general election
• November 5: Early voting ends in Marion County
• November 6: General Election Day

Indiana Voter Portal

• Find out if you are registered to vote
• Register to vote
• Find your polling location
• Candidate information

Marion County Clerk's Office - Early voting information