HB1166 • 2026

A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning elections.

Elections

Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor: Representative Lorissa Sweet
Last action: 2026-01-05
Official status: Introduced House Bill (H)
Effective date: Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official source material does not provide specific details on how the new requirements will impact voter accessibility for individuals with disabilities.

Indiana Election Reform Act

This bill requires Indiana elections to use hand-marked paper ballots and bans other voting methods such as early voting, vote centers, internet voting, mass mail-in voting, ballot drop boxes, and absentee voter boards.

What This Bill Does

Requires all elections in Indiana to use secure, hand-marked paper ballots made in the state with a distinctive watermark and unique numbers.
Prohibits any form of electronic voting or online voting systems, including early in-person voting, vote centers, Internet voting, mass mail-in voting, ballot drop boxes, and absentee voter boards.
Requires each precinct to have video cameras recording and live streaming the counting process and storage of ballots.
Requires county clerks to create paper pollbooks for each precinct and mandates a statewide voter registration database managed by the Secretary of State.
Limits the number of registered voters per precinct to 1,500.

Who It Names or Affects

All Indiana citizens who vote in elections
County clerks responsible for managing voter registration and polling places

Terms To Know

VSTOP: The Voting System Technical Oversight Program, which will no longer be conducted after June 30, 2026.
Pollbook: A book or electronic device used to record voter information at polling places; this bill requires it to be paper-based only.

Limits and Unknowns

The bill does not specify how the new requirements will affect voting accessibility for people with disabilities.
It is unclear what specific penalties apply to organizations that violate restrictions on third-party activities related to voter registration or absentee ballots.

Bill History

2026-01-05 House
Authored by Representative Sweet
2026-01-05 House
First reading: referred to Committee on Elections and Apportionment

Official Summary Text

A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning elections.
Elections.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning elections.

Elections.

Provides that the state of Indiana shall conduct all elections using secure, hand-marked paper ballots that are: (1) designed and made in Indiana; (2) embellished with a distinctive watermark; and (3) serialized numerically. Provides that no other method of voting may be used in Indiana. Specifies that ballots must be counted by hand. Requires precincts to have video cameras that record and live stream the counting of ballots and the ballot box container. Requires each precinct to have one voting system equipped for individuals with disabilities. Specifies requirements for reporting results of the election. Requires election results to be announced the evening of the election. Prohibits the use of a pollbook in any form other than paper. Provides that ballots are not confidential. Prohibits the state from conducting the voting system technical oversight program (VSTOP) after June 30, 2026. Specifies storage requirements for certain election documents. Requires the secretary of state (secretary) to randomly choose 10 counties for post-election hand recounts and inspections of secured storage facilities. Provides that all Indiana citizens have the right to inspect and copy all election materials at the office of the county clerk. Requires the secretary to establish and maintain a statewide voter registration data base. Requires the secretary to administer voter registration rolls and provides that the secretary may not delegate this function. Requires county clerks to create and print the paper pollbook for each precinct. Specifies requirements for back up lists and daily records of the voter registration data base. Specifies that an election in Indiana may be held only on election day. Prohibits: (1) early in person voting; (2) vote centers; (3) Internet voting; (4) mass mail-in voting; (5) ballot harvesting; and (6) a ballot drop box. Provides that a precinct may contain not more than 1,500 registered active voters. Specifies that absentee voter boards may be used for all voters at extended care facilities. Requires all voter registration applications to include proof of citizenship and a signature. Specifies certain restrictions that apply to a third party organization. Provides that a digital identification is not acceptable for the purposes of registration or voting. Specifies: (1) requirements for absentee ballots; and (2) the individuals who qualify to receive an absentee ballot. Requires an absentee ballot to include a copy of the voter's proof of identification or the last four digits of the voter's Social Security number. Provides that a person who violates these provisions: (1) commits a Class A misdemeanor; and (2) is deprived of the right of suffrage for 10 years. Repeals a provision that designates as confidential certain information maintained by VSTOP. Requires the attorney general to establish an election crimes unit.