1:10 p.m.
Is Hamilton County purple?
Voters packed the courtyard of The Meeting House of West Clay in Carmel, Ind. today, with a line out of the entrance continuing down the sidewalk.
Hamilton County has an evolving political landscape. The Cook Political Report changed its rating twice in this election cycle, from solid Republican, then to likely Republican, and finally to lean Republican. That's one step away from "toss-up." WFYI asked voters if that's what they see on the ground.
Christian Lopez of Carmel said he thinks if the needle does move then there's a big change happening, and that can affect the presidential election.
"I think Hamilton County, yes, it's leaned a little bit Republican, but there's a lot of turmoil going on right now, and people are upset and people are not happy," Lopez said.
Heather Weed of Carmel also sees change.
"I have noticed that it's getting to be more more left leaning, just based on signs and everything, but I am more on the conservative end," said Weed.
Mark Albertson of Carmel thinks changing demographics has led to a more purple voting map.
"I've seen it over the years. So, but yeah, you couldn't lose if you're a Republican up here 10 years ago. Now it's, now it's an iffy thing," said Albertson.
Daniel Germeroth has lived in Carmel for about 10 years. He says the shift is motivating.
"When we first got here, we really didn't feel like our vote mattered very much. But it is nice, you know, seeing as the population in Hamilton County really grows, that the voting demographic is kind of shifting to go along with it, and it feels like it does make me feel like my vote matters a little bit more here," Germeroth said.
12:00 p.m.
Voter just wants 'no trickery' from candidates
More than 350 people have voted so far at the Chin Christian Church in Perry Township.
The small church on the city's south side serves the Chin immigrant community, which has grown to over 35,000 in Indianapolis since the early 2000s as people fled a dictatorship in Burma (Myanmar).
One voter, Linda Campbell, 78, said she votes every year, usually a straight party ticket, and always sees cost of living as an issue regardless of which political party is in power.
"Gasoline, it's always high, you know," Campbell said. "No big issues, just want people to be honest in who they are, you know. No trickery."
Election workers said they haven't had any issues with technology or other problems that delayed people casting their ballots.
10:15 a.m.
A slow start on the east side
The lines were short this morning at one polling place on Indianapolis' east side.
At Brookside Park Voting Center, 27-year-old Jayla Esco said she was keeping her one-year-old daughter in mind as she went to vote.
She said she voted 'Yes' on the IPS schools referendum, hoping to improve school resources and quality for all schools within the IPS boundary.
Esco grew up going to IPS schools and said she believes she's seen a decline in quality.
"I feel like now, especially as I get older, I notice that the schools aren't the same as they used to be when we were kids, so I feel like that's kind of more so my focus for this election," Esco told WFYI.
Cara Carrion, 32, said voting 'Yes' on the IPS schools referendum was a large motivator for her to vote.
"I have many friends that are teachers, and I know that was really important to them, so it's kind of coming out to help them, but also just to to come out and represent the community and and do my part," Carrion said.
She said election security was also on her mind as she voted for Beau Bayh for secretary of state. Her biggest concern about elections was ensuring access and information for voters.
"And making sure there's not any pressure at the polls, or you know, people that are wanting to deter votes," Carrion said.
The U.S. Department of Justice notified Marion County election officials late last week that they would send 12 election monitors to various polling locations across the county.
Kassidy Fisher, 30, said she feels unenthusiastic about voting in this election, mostly because she said her Democrat vote won't go very far in a Republican dominated state like Indiana.
"Even if, like, the state doesn't turn, I can still get my vote out, I can still say that I voted and put in my input," Fisher said.
Fisher said she voted for Democrat Beau Bayh in the secretary of state race, but wished Bayh supported more progressive issues.
"I'd really much rather him take on like, blue topics, like abortion topics, and things that are a lot more important to the blue side, rather than just working the middle a little bit," Fisher said.
9:45 a.m.
Hundreds voting so far in Pike Township
About 250 people have voted since polls opened at the Pike Branch of the Indianapolis Public Library in the northwest Snacks-Guion Creek neighborhood.
Kiersten Lucas, 33, lives in the county. She voted because she wants to see a blue wave of victorious Democratic lawmakers this year.
"Indiana, obviously, has been a red state for awhile, and I don't necessarily love how the state is going," Lucas said. "So, I would love to see some different representation there."
Lucas said the voting process was fast and she had no issues. Election workers at the location on Zionsville Road echoed that everything, so far, has gone smoothly.
9:20 a.m.
Are Indiana elections secure?
WFYI surveyed Indiana voters and many said federal-level accusations of voter fraud had them worried. Check out our new deep dive with reporters on why clerks, experts, and state candidates from all parties say Indiana's elections are secure.
8:30 a.m.
Hamilton County voters on why they came out
Voters in Hamilton County lined up to cast their vote at Roy G. Holland Park in Fishers, Ind., just north of Indianapolis.
Fishers resident Kevin Miller said local and federal safety and security brought him to the polls. He also emphasized the importance of voting in a midterm election.
"I think the midterms are very important, I think the midterms really kind of determine the direction of the country. I know they say all politics are local, but I think this year federal is very important," Miller said.
Lauren Alsharif has lived in Fishers for seven years. She said she came to the polls today to be a voice for her children who attend Hamilton Southeastern School district. Like many counties, education funding referendums are on the ballot.
"I think the funding to me, what I see and what I consider, right now is pretty fair. If they do increase it it might hurt the families that are around who really can't afford it," Alsharif said.
Alsharif continued to say she works in education and knows how it feels to have to take care of a classroom and students that don't have the things they need.
7:00 a.m.
Marion County has nine constable races, one involves a court case
Voters in nine Marion County townships will choose a constable today, but only two races have more than one candidate: Center and Perry townships.
Constables are likely best known for serving and carrying out orders from their township’s small claim court, including eviction notices. Under Indiana law, they also act as court bailiffs and have police powers to make arrests.
In Center Township, Democratic incumbent Kenneth Allen faces independent Melvin (Major) Hall II. Allen was picked in November 2024 by Center Township Democratic precinct committee members to fill the vacancy of the constable.
In August, Hall sued Allen in Marion Superior Court. He asked a judge to remove Allen from office by alleging Allen lives at a Lawrence Township house owned by Allen’s wife. Constables must live in the township they are elected to serve.
Allen testified he now lives in a downtown apartment. Judge John M.T. Chavis II denied Hall’s request to block Allen from office while the case continued. Read more on this race in our voter guide.
6:00 a.m.
The polls are open
Polls in Indiana are open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. If you're registered and have a photo ID, you can vote. Check your county's website to find your polling location.
To see what's on your ballot in Marion County, log in to the voter portal at vote.indy.gov. And check out WFYI's 2026 Voter Guide for information on races and candidates statewide and across Central Indiana.
Follow this live blog for updates throughout the day — WFYI's news team will be traveling around Indianapolis to talk to voters. And we'll have election result breakdowns on our website as they come in tonight.
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