Indiana’s primary election moved to June because of pandemic

Indiana’s primary election is being moved from May 5 to June 2 because of the coronavirus pandemic, state officials announced Friday morning.

Gov. Eric Holcomb, Secretary of State Connie Lawson, Republican Party Chairman Kyle Hupfer and Democratic Party Chairman John Zody announced the agreement.

All dates corresponding with the primary election will be moved by 28 days to reflect the shift. For example, military and overseas ballots are required to mailed 45 days prior to the primary election, so they’ll move 45 days prior to June 2.

“The right of citizens to elect their leaders in a free and open election is one of the cornerstones of America,” Holcomb said in written remarks. “In order to balance that right with the safety of county employees, poll workers and voters, delaying Indiana’s primary election is the right move as we continue to do all we can to protect Hoosiers’ health.”