With voter registration now closed, early voting for the November 5th election has officially started. Knox County voters can cast their ballots early from now until Noon on November 4th at the former work release location, 135 North 8th Street in Vincennes. Voting hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Knox County Clerk David Shelton reported a significant increase in voter registrations leading up to the deadline, noting efforts to engage younger voters through high school presentations. Shelton also shared a story of helping a hospitalized voter register before the deadline, reflecting the county’s commitment to ensuring voter participation.

Early voters will have the chance to choose candidates for President, Governor, U.S. Senate, and U.S. Congress. While there are no contested county office races in Knox County, there are school board elections. Five candidates are vying for three at-large seats on the Vincennes Community School Board, and South Knox has two candidates running for a seat in Palmyra Township. At North Knox, two write-in candidates have filed for the school board, including one incumbent and one newcomer.

Additionally, voters will encounter a public question on their ballots regarding the Indiana Secretary of Education’s place in the state’s line of succession. Shelton explained that the office is no longer an elected position but is an appointed post and the amendment seeks to remove it from the state constitution’s order of succession to clarify the chain of command in state government.

Most federal and state races, including the presidential race, are contested, making early voting an important option for those who want to avoid Election Day crowds.