Indiana Students to Face ID Ban in November 3 Election
University-issued identification cards will not be accepted as valid voter identification at the polls.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Elections
Live Poll
Should university-issued student identification cards be accepted as valid for voting in state elections?
Indiana University students must use alternative identification for the November 3 general election following a state ban on university-issued IDs. The restriction prevents the use of CrimsonCards at polling locations throughout the state.
Why it matters
State officials argue that university-issued IDs fail to confirm a voter's residency, leading to the implementation of stricter requirements. The policy requires students to present state-issued or federal identification to cast a ballot.
Eligible IDs include Indiana driver's licenses, military IDs, or U.S. passports that expire after November 5, 2024. Students lacking these can obtain a free Indiana photo ID card from the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
The players
Mike Braun
The current Governor of Indiana who signed the legislation restricting student ID usage in state elections.
Diego Morales
The Indiana Secretary of State who was named as a defendant in the lawsuit challenging the voter identification law.
The details
Senate Enrolled Act 10, signed by Gov. Mike Braun in April 2025, prohibits student IDs from being used as valid voter identification. Voters who lack accepted identification may use provisional ballots, provided they verify their identity by noon on November 13.
Timeline
April 2025: Gov. Mike Braun signed the student ID ban legislation.
July 1, 2025: The student ID restriction took effect.
April 14, 2026: Judge Young granted a temporary block on the ban.
April 20, 2026: Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals put the block on hold.
November 3, 2026: General election held in Indiana.
Political Context
The implementation of Senate Enrolled Act 10 marks a departure from previous Indiana voting standards by excluding university-issued identification. Critics and plaintiffs in the ongoing lawsuit argue the law creates an undue burden on students attempting to participate in elections.
Students without an Indiana driver's license can use their last four Social Security digits on a paper registration application to qualify for voting. Those unable to present an accepted ID must visit the county election board to verify their identity.
The takeaway
Students should ensure they possess a valid state-issued or federal ID before arriving at their designated polling place. Planning ahead by obtaining a free state ID card from the Bureau of Motor Vehicles can prevent complications on Election Day.
What happens next
A ruling on the ongoing lawsuit challenging the voter identification law is expected to be delivered early next year.
Further reading
For additional information on voting requirements and ballot access, visit the Indiana Elections portal.
Live Poll
Should university-issued student identification cards be accepted as valid for voting in state elections?
