VRM in the States: Indiana

Advances in Voter Registration Modernization

• Electronic Voter Registration: Indiana launched electronic voter registration at Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) offices in 2010. Individuals submit information on paper and clerks input responses electronically. Registrants sign an electronic pad to complete the transaction, and all registration information is transferred daily to county election officials. As a backup, the BMV also sends a copy of the signed paper application to county officials.
• Online Voter Registration: Indiana launched online voter registration through the Secretary of State’s office in 2010. Eligible citizens with a state driver’s license or non-driver ID can use the system to register to vote and update their registration information.

Gains from Voter Registration Modernization in Indiana

The steps Indiana has taken thus far have yielded increases in voter registration and financial benefits for the state. For example:

• During a May 2013 interview with Brennan Center staff, Indiana election officials reported that online and electronic registration have reduced the amount of staff time needed to process applications.
• Indiana implemented online registration at a cost of less than $100,000.
• Between November 2014 and November 2016, the state received 118,177 new voter registration applications through its online portal.