Indiana voters have until Monday, October 5, to register to vote or update their registration ahead of the upcoming election.

Dr. Laura Wilson, an assistant professor of political science at the University of Indianapolis, says voters should not wait until the deadline to make sure their information is current.

“Monday is that deadline, and I think that’s really important that people keep that in mind.”

Wilson also recommends checking your registration even if you believe you’re already registered. Voters can do that through the Indiana Secretary of State’s website at IndianaVoters.in.gov.

That’s especially important for people who have recently moved.

“There’s a lot you have to think about. Voting may not be the first thing on your mind, but immediately as soon as you can, your voter registration, make sure you make that update.”

Indiana also gives voters the option to cast a straight-ticket vote, choosing all candidates from one political party. But voters can also choose candidates from different parties.

“You can split your ticket, meaning you support multiple candidates from different parties. It is really a reflection of who you think is going to be the best leader for our state.”

Wilson also encourages people who have not voted in several years to check their registration. Indiana can remove inactive voters from the rolls after four congressional election cycles, or eight years.

“There’s good reason for that, right? People passed away, people move, and they don’t change the voter registration.”

For people who have recently moved or have not voted in years, Wilson says checking your registration now can help avoid problems later.

The deadline to register or update your registration is Monday, October 5.