By: Shashank MuraliStaff-Writer & Advertising Co-Manager
With voters across the United States preparing to go out to the polls on Tuesday, Nov. 5, here is all you need to know to make going to the polls hassle-free. The polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time.
Important Tips for Voters
Check Your Registration: First of all, check your registration before you go out to vote. Visit vote411.org to find your state registration verification tool.
Bring Identification: Indiana is considered a strict photo ID state, meaning that you must bring a government-issued photo ID to vote, like a driver’s license. If you don’t bring proper identification, you may cast a provisional ballot with conditions. Michigan is considered a non-strict photo ID state, which means that you must bring a Michigan-issued photo ID, but that other non-Michigan photo IDs are accepted, including student IDs. In Michigan, anyone who does not bring identification to the polls may sign an affidavit and cast a regular, non-provisional ballot.
Know Your Rights: Because of language barriers, disabilities or other obstacles, voters have the right to get assistance at the polls. If at any time you have a problem when voting, don’t be afraid to ask for help.
Vote Early if Possible: If you can, vote early to avoid possible crowds and long lines on Election Day. In South Bend and Mishawaka, you can vote early until noon on Nov. 4 at these locations: the County-City Building in South Bend, the Mishawaka County Services Building and the Centre Township Library on Kern Road.
Be Prepared: Study your ballot in advance. Take some time to get to know the candidates, especially local measures on the ballot that you may not be familiar with but that influence daily life in your city, including surveyor, clerk, coroner, commissioner and more.
If it’s your first time voting or you don’t want to go alone, consider joining the American Democracy Project for their Parade to the Polls. They will meet in front of the IU South Bend limestone sign at 4 p.m. on Nov. 5 and walk across the street to vote at John Adams High School.
Below, find places to cast your ballot in St. Joseph County, Indiana. For polling places in Michigan, visit miunited.org.
American Legion Post #189 302 Legion Dr Walkerton, IN 46574American Legion Post #3575414 W Sample StSouth Bend, IN 46619Centre Township Library1150 Kern RdSouth Bend, IN 46614Charles Black Community Center 3419 W Washington St South Bend, IN 46619Clay High School19131 Darden RdSouth Bend, IN 46637Clay International Academy52900 Lily RdSouth Bend, IN 46637Darden Primary Center 18645 Janet Dr South Bend, IN 46637Dickinson Fine Arts Academy 4404 Elwood Ave South Bend, IN 46628Discovery Middle School 10050 Brummitt Rd Granger, IN 46530Edison Middle School 2701 Eisenhower Ave South Bend, IN 46615Emmons Elementary School 1306 S Main St Mishawaka, IN 46544Harrison Elementary School 3302 W Western Ave South Bend, IN 46619Grissom Middle School 13881 Kern Rd Mishawaka, IN 46544Harris Branch, MPH Public Library 51446 Elm Rd Granger, IN 46530John J Young Middle School 1801 N Main St Mishawaka, IN 46545Jackson Middle School 5001 Miami Rd South Bend, IN 46614John Adams High School 808 Twyckenham Dr South Bend, IN 46615Marquette Montessori Academy 1818 Bergan St South Bend, IN 46628LaSalle Intermediate Academy 2701 Elwood Ave South Bend, IN 46628Lincoln Elementary School 1425 E Calvert St South Bend, IN 46613Mishawaka County Services Bldg 219 Lincolnway W Mishawaka, IN 46544Marshall Traditional School 1433 Byron St South Bend, IN 46614McKinley Elementary School 228 N Greenlawn Ave South Bend, IN 46617Moran Elementary School305 N Beech RdOsceola, IN 46561Mishawaka High School 1202 Lincolnway E Mishawaka, IN 46544MPH Public Library, Bittersweet Branch602 N Bittersweet RdMishawaka IN 46544Northpoint Elementary School50800 Cherry RdGranger, IN 46530Navarre Middle School 4702 W Ford St South Bend, IN 46619North Liberty Community Center300 S Main StNorth Liberty, IN 46554Palmer Community Complex601 N Michigan StLakeville, IN 46536O’Brien Recreation Center 321 E Walter St South Bend, IN 46614Olive Township Elementary School300 W Ben StNew Carlisle, IN 46552Rise Up Academy 740 N Eddy St South Bend, IN 46617Prairie Vista Elementary School15400 Brick RdGranger, IN 46530Riley High School 1902 Fellows St South Bend, IN 46613Swanson Traditional School17677 Parker DrSouth Bend, IN 46635Schmucker Middle School56045 Bittersweet RdMishawaka, IN 46545St Joe County Public Library 305 S Michigan St South Bend, IN 46601Washington High School 4747 W Washington StSouth Bend, IN 46619Walt Disney Elementary School 4015 Filbert Rd Mishawaka, IN 46545Warren Primary Center55400 Quince RdSouth Bend, IN 46619