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Straight-ahead summaries built from the official bill text. We keep the source links front and center and leave the decision up to you.

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HB1218 • 2026

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

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 Edward Clere
Last action
2026-01-20
Official status
Introduced House Bill (H)
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official source material does not provide specific details on when the changes will take effect or the extent of repealed statutes.

Indiana Bill HB1218: Ending Straight Ticket Voting

HB1218 removes the option for voters to select all candidates of a political party or an independent ticket at once in general and municipal elections.

What This Bill Does

  • Removes straight ticket voting, which allows voters to choose all candidates from one party or an independent ticket with one selection.
  • Repeals old laws about straight ticket voting that are no longer needed because of this change.

Who It Names or Affects

  • Voters who participate in Indiana's general or municipal elections

Terms To Know

Straight ticket voting
A method of voting where a voter can choose all candidates from one political party or an independent ticket with just one selection.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The bill does not specify when the changes will take effect.
  • It is unclear how many voters currently use straight ticket voting in Indiana elections.

Bill History

  1. 2026-01-20 House

    Representative Criswell added as coauthor

  2. 2026-01-05 House

    Authored by Representative Clere

  3. 2026-01-05 House

    Coauthored by Representatives Dant Chesser, Hamilton

  4. 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.
Straight ticket voting.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text 
A BILL FOR AN ACT to amend the Indiana Code concerning elections.

Straight ticket voting.

Removes a voter's option to vote for all candidates of a political party or an independent ticket at one time (straight ticket voting) in a general or municipal election. Repeals superseded statutes relating to straight ticket voting.