Indiana Voters Began Early Voting for House Seat
Residents in the Third Congressional District have started casting ballots in the race for Congress.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Elections
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Early voting for Indiana's Third Congressional District opened on October 6, 2026. Voters will choose between incumbent Republican Marlin Stutzman and Democratic challenger Kelly Thompson.
Why it matters
The voting period provides an opportunity for constituents to finalize their choices before the general election. WANE 15 has facilitated the process by recording candidate responses to policy questions to assist voters with their decisions.
Early voting began on October 6, 2026, ahead of the November 3, 2026 election. Candidates were instructed to limit their policy video responses to one minute each.
The players
Marlin Stutzman
He is the incumbent Republican member of Congress representing the district.
Kelly Thompson
She is the Democratic candidate challenging for the Congressional seat.
WANE 15
This local news organization produced video segments allowing candidates to address policy issues.
The details
WANE 15 invited both candidates to record brief policy explanations to help voters evaluate their platforms. Marlin Stutzman, who resides in Howe, IN, is seeking to retain his seat against Kelly Thompson.
Timeline
Early voting began in Indiana on October 6, 2026.
Election day is scheduled for November 3, 2026.
Political Context
Critics of expanded early voting often cite concerns regarding election security and the potential for late-breaking information to influence ballots cast before campaigns conclude. Supporters argue that these systems increase voter turnout and ensure broader civic engagement.
Eligible voters in the Third Congressional District can now visit official polling locations to cast their ballots ahead of the November deadline. Residents should confirm their local polling place hours to ensure their vote is counted before the official election day.
The takeaway
Voters should utilize available candidate policy videos to make informed decisions before visiting the polls. Planning to vote early can help individuals avoid long lines typically associated with election day.
Further reading
For more information on the upcoming race, visit the Indiana Elections section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NewsChannel 15 WANE-TV Fort Wayne.
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