Bloomington, Indiana Public Records

gov, though registration must occur at least 29 days before an election. Eligibility requires U.S. Citizenship, age 18 by the next election, Indiana residency for 30 days, and an Indiana driver's license or state ID number. The state doesn't allow same-day registration, making that 29-day deadline critical. Anyone who moves within Monroe County should update their registration to ensure assignment to the correct precinct. Bloomington conducts municipal elections in odd-numbered years, selecting a mayor and city council members. Nine council members representing districts will also face voters that year. Under the mayor-council structure, the mayor functions as chief executive. Details about candidates, campaign finance disclosures, and ballot measures appear on both the County Election Board website and the city's official site. Voters locate their assigned polling place through the Indiana Voter Portal at https://indianavoters. gov, which displays polling locations, sample ballots, and registration status after users enter their name and birthdate The county consistently outperforms most Indiana counties in participation, a pattern reflecting the university community's influence and an engaged electorate. One of Indiana's U.S. Senate seats is up for election that year. All nine U.S. House seats, including District 9 which covers Bloomington and Monroe County, appear on the ballot. State legislative races cover all 100 Indiana House seats and 25 of 50 Indiana Senate seats. County-level positions include commissioners, county council members, and constitutional officers such as sheriff, clerk, auditor, treasurer, recorder, and assessor - offices typically contested during midterm years. Specific local races and any ballot questions will become clear after candidate filing deadlines pass in early 2026. Indiana's public records law ensures transparency for most election documents. Voter registration lists can be purchased by campaigns and political organizations, though commercial use is prohibited. Campaign finance reports are searchable public records, with filing locations depending on the office sought - local candidates file with the Monroe County Clerk, state candidates with the Indiana Election Division, and federal candidates with the Federal Election Commission. The County Election Board publishes precinct-level results on its website after each election and maintains archives for historical research. Candidate filings, including declarations of candidacy, remain on file with the Monroe County Clerk for local races. Indiana permits absentee voting by mail for voters meeting specific criteria: absence from the county on Election Day, disability, age 65 or older, official election duties outside one's precinct, work scheduled during all poll hours, confinement due to illness or injury, military or public safety officer status, serious sex offender registration, religious beliefs preventing attendance, or participation in the address confidentiality program. The Monroe County Clerk's office must receive absentee ballot applications by 11:59 p.m. The day before the election, though officials strongly recommend applying earlier to allow mailing and return time. Completed absentee ballots must arrive by noon on Election Day for counting. The county also offers early in-person voting at the Election Board office and other designated sites beginning 28 days before the election. No excuse is needed for early voting, and locations maintain some evening and weekend hours. Indiana requires government-issued photo ID for all in-person voting, whether on Election Day or during early voting. Acceptable identification includes an Indiana driver's license or state ID, U.S. Passport, military ID, or tribal ID - all must display the voter's name and photograph.