Bill
HB 1148
Allows eligible voters to register at the polls on election day with REAL ID proof of residence, using provisional ballots counted after verification.
HB 1148 (Indiana, 2026) – Same Day Voter Registration
Summary
Purpose and main intent
- Allow a eligible, unregistered voter to register to vote at the polling place on election day or during certain election events by completing a voter registration form and providing proof of residence.
- Treat a same-day registered ballot as a provisional ballot, with the process and rules governing provisional ballots applying.
- Establish procedural frameworks to implement at-poll registrations in conjunction with existing statewide registration and provisional-ballot procedures.
Key provisions and changes
1) New at-poll registration (same-day)
- New statutory addition to IC 3-7-13-10.5 (effective July 1, 2026): On the day of a primary, general, municipal, school district, or special election, an individual may register at the polls as provided in IC 3-7-49.
- New Chapter 49 (IC 3-7-49): Election Day Registration
- Eligibility: An unregistered individual who is resident of the precinct, legally qualified to vote, not already registered in certain disqualifying categories, and not yet having voted in the election may register at the polls.
- Requirements: Complete a voter registration form and provide proof of residence.
- Proof of residence: The only acceptable method specified is a REAL ID driver’s license or REAL ID card showing the registrant’s name and residence address.
- Processing: Poll lists must note the type of document presented; the election divisions will standardize coding to classify documents for the county voter registration system.
- If documentation is not presented at the polls, the precinct election board must inform the voter to file documentation with the county voter registration office or precinct board to count the provisional ballot (per IC 3-11.7).
2) Provisional ballot for same-day registrants
- Registrants on Election Day may vote using a provisional ballot, with counting governed by the provisional-ballot rules in IC 3-11.7 (and related sections). The provisional ballot count is contingent on subsequent verification of registration, documentation, and related confirmations.
3) Related registration and eligibility timelines
- Sec. 11(a)-(b) (IC 3-7-13-11, amended): Registration or transfer can occur up to the close of business on the 29th day before an election; on the day of a primary, general, municipal, school district, or special election, registration can occur as provided in IC 3-7-49 (i.e., at polls).
- Provisions regarding absent/uniformed services and other special cases retained, with adjustments to accommodate same-day registration where applicable.
4) Proof of residence and poll-listing requirements
- Real ID-based proof of residence is required for same-day registration at the polls.
- Poll lists must include indicators of the type of documentation provided, and the county voter registration office must update registration records accordingly.
- If proof cannot be provided at the polls, the voter must file the required documentation with the appropriate office to count the provisional ballot.
5) Poll access and general election participation
- Section 3-11-8 adjustments clarify access rules, including identity verification, provisional ballot handling, and related processes for individuals registering at the polls.
- The bill maintains existing rules for who may be present in polling places and for challenging voters, with added pathways for same-day registrants and provisional ballots.
Effective date
- July 1, 2026.
Fiscal and operational considerations
- State level: Election Commission would prescribe corroboration/affirmation forms and a standardized coding system for proof-of-residence documents; potential vendor help for coding system integration.
- Local level: Counties may incur additional administrative workload processing same-day registrations, increased provisional ballots, and potential need for extra paper ballots and supplies to accommodate walk-up registrations.
Who is affected
- Unregistered voters who meet eligibility criteria can register at the polls on election day.
- County election boards, circuit court clerks, county voter registration offices, precinct election boards, and poll clerks will implement and manage the new at-poll registration and provisional-ballot processes.
- Election equipment and supplies providers may see increased demand (provisional ballots, extra paper ballots) to accommodate higher walk-up registration activity.
Bottom line
HB 1148 would authorize same-day voter registration at the polls starting July 1, 2026, conditioned on presenting REAL ID-based proof of residence. Such registrations would result in provisional ballots that must be counted if subsequent registration verification and documentation requirements are satisfied. The bill lays out procedural steps for processing, documenting, and counting these ballots, and anticipates modest increases in administrative workload and material needs at the local level.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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