Although it is only March, the midterm elections, which will be held on Nov. 8, are getting closer and closer each day.

The right to vote is a coveted American value, yet many fail to register to vote. Numerous seniors and some juniors meet the criteria to register. To vote in Indiana, one must be a U.S. citizen, have lived in their precinct for at least 30 days prior to the election, be at least 18 years of age on or before the next general or municipal election, not be currently in prison after a conviction and be registered to vote.

This last piece of criteria is often not met by Americans, especially young adults. However, social studies teacher Sr. Mary Ann Stewart wrote in an email, “There has been a tradition here at Cathedral of senior government classes helping students register to vote.” She noted that students who are currently 17 but will be 18 by the November general election can vote in the primary in May. Stewart urged students to “talk to your social studies teacher because he or she can help you register online,” she said. 

Registering requires a valid Indiana driver’s license or Indiana identification card. Due to an upcoming primary on May 3 in Indiana, the deadline to register is April 4 for that election. The deadline to register to vote for any election is 29 days before the election. 

Within 30 days of registering, those who are eligible to vote will receive a voter registration card or a notice from their county. If a card or notice is not received, the state recommends calling the county voter registration office.

Sr. Stewart wrote in an email, “In May, the primary elections will be held here in Indiana for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by Todd Young, for all nine of Indiana’s seats in the House of Representatives and for various other state and local offices. There is usually really low voter turnout in these elections, but what people don’t realize is that state and local officials often have as great if not greater impact on their lives than the president has.”

Regardless of the level of government, local, state or federal, elections matter. They all have the potential to impact Hoosiers’ everyday lives, and it is a civic duty to vote. 

Hoosiers can register to vote at https://indianavoters.in.gov/.