Election 2026: Early voting, polling sites, and new council districts

With election season officially underway, Owen County voters have several avenues available to make their voices heard at the ballot box this fall.

The Owen County Clerk’s Office has released its full schedule for the upcoming General Election, detailing early in-person voting times, satellite sites, and absentee ballot procedures. In addition to planning their trip to the polls, residents in certain areas will also find updated County Council representation on their ballots following recent precinct redistricting.

For residents wishing to vote early in person, opportunities are available at the Owen County Courthouse, located at 60 S. Main St. in Spencer, through Oct. 30. Hours run Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Voters should keep in mind that while voting remains open during these hours, other courthouse offices close for lunch from noon to 1 p.m. Anyone voting at the courthouse must enter through the main northside door and present a valid government-issued photo ID.

To accommodate busy work schedules, local officials are offering extended weekend hours. On Saturday, Oct. 24, early voting will be held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at both the Owen County Courthouse and the Freedom Community Center, located at 5552 Freedom-Arney Rd. in Freedom. Another satellite opportunity takes place on Saturday, Oct. 31, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the courthouse and Faith Baptist Church, 11612 S.R. 243, in Cloverdale. The final opportunity for early voting will be on Monday, Nov. 2, at the courthouse from 8 a.m. until noon.

Voters who prefer or require alternative voting methods also have options under Indiana Code. Registered voters who meet statutory qualifications can request a mail-in absentee ballot, with applications required by Oct. 22 at 11:59 p.m. All completed mail-in ballots must be turned in to election officials by 6 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 3. For voters who qualify and require direct physical assistance, a traveling board can bring a ballot packet directly to their home upon written request submitted by Nov. 2 at noon. Special requirements, qualifications, and forms for military and overseas voters can be accessed online through the state voter portal at indianavoters.in.gov.

In other election-related news, voters in two specific parts of the county will see changes to their County Council district choices on this year’s ballot. The Owen County Commissioners implemented these boundary changes last year to remain compliant with Indiana Code regarding balanced population numbers across all four council districts, replacing district boundaries that had remained unchanged for decades. The Clerk’s Office has already updated voter registration records to reflect these new districts, and whoever is elected will take office on Jan. 1, 2027.

The first change affects registered voters in the Marion 2 Precinct, which includes Patricksburg. This area was previously part of County Council District 4 but has now been moved into County Council District 3. The candidates competing for this seat are Republican Lynda Sands and Democrat Mark Snapp.

The second change affects the Washington 2 Precinct. This area includes the portion of the town of Spencer situated west of Main Street, as well as areas outside town limits located west of Rocky Hill Road and north of S.R. 46. Previously designated as part of County Council District 2, this precinct is now in County Council District 1. The candidates on the ballot for this district are Republican Loretta Foster and Democrat Sandra K. Calvert.

On Election Day, Nov. 3, polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Owen County uses a Vote Center model, allowing any registered voter in the county to cast their ballot at any of the seven designated locations. These voting locations include Faith Baptist Church at 11612 S.R. 243 in Cloverdale, Family of God Church at 2018 S.R. 67 in Spencer, Clay Township Fire Department at 5663 S.R. 43 in Spencer, and the Freedom Community Center at 5552 Freedom-Arney Rd. in Freedom. Additional sites are Jefferson Baptist Church at 4019 Main St. in Coal City, Garrard Chapel Church at 7410 W. S.R. 46 in Bowling Green, and the Spencer Christian Life Center at 126 E. Market St. in Spencer.

Sample ballots for every precinct, as well as voter record searches, are accessible through the Indiana Secretary of State’s portal at indianavoters.in.gov. Residents with questions regarding voting, registration, or poll locations can reach Linda Roy, Deputy Clerk of Elections and Voter Registration, on the first floor of the Owen County Courthouse in Spencer, by phone at 812-829-5028, or via email at linda.roy@owencounty.in.gov.