Key Takeaways
• Indiana’s HEA 1264 requires proof of citizenship for flagged voters starting July 1, 2025.
• Flagged voters have 30 days to submit citizenship documents or face voter registration cancellation.
• Accepted proofs include birth certificate, U.S. passport, naturalization certificate, or IRCA documents.
Indiana’s new proof-of-citizenship voter registration law, known as HEA 1264, has brought major changes to how people in the state register to vote and keep their voter registration active. As of July 1, 2025, the law is fully in effect, and it’s important for all Indiana residents—especially those who may be affected—to understand what’s changed, who needs to take action, and what steps to follow to make sure their right to vote is protected.
Summary of What Changed
The main change is that Indiana now requires some voters to show proof of citizenship to keep their voter registration or to register as new voters. This is a big shift from the previous system, where people only had to sign a statement saying they were U.S. citizens. Now, if the state thinks you might not be a citizen—usually because of information from the Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV)—you’ll get a letter in the mail. You’ll then have 30 days to send in documents that prove you’re a U.S. citizen. If you don’t, your voter registration will be canceled.
This law is part of a larger trend across the United States 🇺🇸, with more states considering similar rules. However, Indiana’s law is now active, and it’s already affecting how people register and stay registered to vote.
Who Is Affected
Not every voter in Indiana will need to provide proof of citizenship. The law mainly affects people who are flagged by the state’s system. Here’s how it works:
- Data Matching: Indiana checks its voter registration list against the BMV’s list of people with temporary credentials. These credentials are often given to non-citizens, such as people with certain visas or green cards.
- Flagging: If your name appears on both lists, you’ll be flagged as someone who might not be a U.S. citizen.
- Notification: If you’re flagged, you’ll get a letter from your county voter registration office. This letter will tell you that you need to provide proof of citizenship within 30 days.
This process means that people who have ever held a temporary BMV credential—even if they later became citizens—could be flagged. It also means that some people might be flagged by mistake, especially if the BMV’s records are out of date.
Groups Most Likely to Be Affected
- Married women: If your current name doesn’t match your birth certificate, you might have trouble proving citizenship.
- Rural, low-income, and minority voters: These groups are less likely to have a U.S. passport or other accepted documents.
- Naturalized citizens: If you became a citizen after holding a temporary credential, you could be flagged even though you’re now a citizen.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, only about 35.5% of people in Indiana have a U.S. passport, which is one of the main documents accepted as proof of citizenship. This means many people may need to find other documents or get copies, which can take time and money.
Effective Dates and Deadlines
- Law Effective: July 1, 2025
- Response Deadline: If you get a notice, you have 30 days to provide proof of citizenship.
- Next Major Registration Deadline: April 1, 2026, is the last day to register to vote in the May 2026 primary election.
Required Actions for Flagged Voters
If you receive a notice saying you need to prove your citizenship, here’s what you should do:
- Read the Notice Carefully: The letter will explain what you need to do and where to send your documents.
- Gather Accepted Documents: You can provide any of the following:
- Birth certificate (or a clear photocopy)
- U.S. passport (or a photocopy of the identifying pages)
- U.S. naturalization certificate (or just the certificate number, which will be checked)
- Any document accepted under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986
- Submit Proof: Take your documents to your county voter registration office in person, or mail them in as instructed in the notice.
- Keep Copies: Always keep copies of what you send for your own records.
- Meet the Deadline: Make sure your documents arrive within 30 days of the date on your notice.
If You Can’t Provide Proof in Time
If you can’t get the documents in time, or if you think you were flagged by mistake, you can appeal:
- File an Appeal: You can appeal in person or by mail to your county election board.
- Hearing: The board must hold a hearing and decide whether to keep or cancel your registration.
- Decision: If the board decides in your favor, your registration will be reinstated. If not, it will be canceled.
If Your Registration Is Canceled
If you miss the deadline or lose your appeal, your voter registration will be canceled. However, you can re-register at any time—as long as you can provide the required proof of citizenship.
How to Re-Register
- Get Your Documents: Make sure you have one of the accepted documents listed above.
- Register Again: Go to your county voter registration office or use the official online system.
- Meet Deadlines: Remember, to vote in the May 2026 primary, you must register by April 1, 2026.
Implications for Pending Applications
If you’ve already applied to register to vote but haven’t yet been approved, you may be asked for proof of citizenship if you’re flagged by the BMV data match. This could delay your registration, so it’s important to respond quickly if you get a notice.
If you’re waiting for your citizenship documents (for example, if you’ve applied for a replacement birth certificate or passport), keep in touch with your county voter registration office. Let them know about any delays and ask if you can get extra time or what other options you might have.
Broader Implications and Concerns
This law has sparked debate among officials, advocacy groups, and voters. Here’s what different groups are saying:
- Secretary of State Diego Morales: Supports the law, saying it’s needed to protect the “sanctity of the ballot.”
- Common Cause Indiana: Criticizes the law, saying there’s no evidence of noncitizen voting in Indiana and warning that it could keep eligible voters from voting.
- Voting Rights Lab: Warns that the law creates extra paperwork and confusion, especially for people who don’t have easy access to the required documents.
Administrative Burden
Election officials now have to handle more paperwork, check more documents, and run more hearings for appeals. This could slow down the registration process and make it harder for people to get help if they have questions.
Voter Confusion
Many voters may not know about the new requirements or may not understand what documents they need. Some may not get the notice in time, especially if they’ve moved or if their mailing address is out of date.
Confidentiality
Any documents you send to prove your citizenship are kept confidential. They are not shared with the public or other agencies.
Legal and Political Context
Indiana’s law is part of a national trend. As of April 2025, 22 states have considered similar proof-of-citizenship laws, up from 14 in 2024 and 7 in 2023. However, not all of these laws are in effect, and some are facing legal challenges.
At the federal level, the SAVE Act (H.R.22, 119th Congress) would require proof of citizenship for federal elections. But as of April 24, 2025, a federal court has blocked this law from taking effect. This means that, for now, Indiana’s law only applies to state and local elections, but this could change if the federal law is allowed to move forward.
If both state and federal proof-of-citizenship laws are enforced, Indiana may have to keep separate voter lists for state and federal elections, which would make things even more complicated for voters and officials.
Legal Challenges Expected
Lawsuits are expected, with critics arguing that the law could violate federal protections and keep eligible voters from voting. The outcome of these legal battles could change how the law is enforced or even stop it from being used.
Practical Guidance for Indiana Voters
If you live in Indiana and want to make sure you can vote, here are some steps you can take right now:
- Check Your Registration: Visit the Indiana Secretary of State’s Elections Division website to check your voter registration status.
- Update Your Address: Make sure your mailing address is correct so you don’t miss any important notices.
- Gather Documents: If you don’t have a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers, start the process of getting them now. This can take several weeks or even months.
- Ask for Help: If you’re not sure what to do, contact your county voter registration office. They can explain what documents you need and how to send them.
- Watch for Mail: If you get a notice, respond as soon as possible—don’t wait until the last minute.
- Tell Others: Share this information with friends and family, especially those who might be affected.
Key Features of Indiana’s Proof-of-Citizenship Law
- Effective Date: July 1, 2025
- Who Must Provide Proof: Anyone flagged by the BMV data match as possibly not a U.S. citizen
- What Proof Is Accepted: Birth certificate, U.S. passport, naturalization documents, or documents allowed under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986
- How Long to Respond: 30 days from the date of the notice
- What Happens If You Don’t Respond: Your voter registration is canceled
- How to Appeal: File with the county election board for a hearing
- How to Re-Register: Any time, with the right documents
- Confidentiality: All documents are kept private
- Next Major Deadline: April 1, 2026, for the May 2026 primary election
Where to Get More Information
- Indiana Secretary of State, Elections Division: For official updates, forms, and answers to common questions, visit Indiana Secretary of State’s Elections Division.
- County Voter Registration Offices: For help with documents, appeals, or registration questions, contact your local office.
- Official Law Text: For those who want to read the law itself, see Indiana Code § 3-7-38.2-7.3.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Indiana’s new proof-of-citizenship voter registration law is now in effect, and it’s changing how people prove they are eligible to vote. If you’re flagged by the system, you’ll need to act quickly to keep your registration. Start gathering your documents now, check your registration status, and make sure your address is up to date. If you have questions or run into problems, reach out to your county voter registration office for help.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the law’s impact will depend on how it’s enforced and whether legal challenges change its requirements. For now, being prepared and informed is the best way to protect your right to vote in Indiana. Stay alert for any notices, meet all deadlines, and help others in your community understand what they need to do. With careful attention, you can make sure your voice is heard in upcoming elections.
Learn Today
HEA 1264 → Indiana state law requiring proof of citizenship for certain voters to maintain registration starting July 1, 2025.
Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) → Indiana government agency issuing driver credentials and providing data that flags potentially non-citizen voters.
Proof of Citizenship → Official documents like birth certificates or passports verifying a person’s U.S. citizenship status for voter eligibility.
Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 → Federal law that defines acceptable documents for verifying eligibility to work and vote in the U.S.
Naturalization Certificate → Official document proving a non-native-born individual has become a U.S. citizen through naturalization.
This Article in a Nutshell
Indiana’s new law HEA 1264 requires some voters to prove U.S. citizenship to keep registration starting July 2025. Flagged individuals get 30 days to submit documents or face cancellation. This impacts especially those with temporary BMV credentials, creating significant changes and potential challenges for voter participation.
— By VisaVerge.com
