Political Science Course Guide - Indianapolis

This guide explores Political Science topics relevant to POLS 101, POLS 112, POLS 201, POLS 202, POLS 211, and POLS 220.

• Use the links at the left to explore to find starting points for your research. 
• For additional help with research, please contact the library.
  • Ivy Tech-Indianapolis Library site
  • Phone - Downtown: 317-921-4782
  • Phone - Lawrence: 317-921-4219
• To schedule Research or Writing & Reading tutoring
  • Campus Tutoring Services
  • Phone: 317-921-4230

Voter Registration 

You have the right to vote in Indiana if:

• You are both a U.S. citizen and a resident of Indiana; and
• You will be at least 18 years of age on or before the next General or Municipal Election, and
• You are not currently in prison after being convicted of a crime; and
• You have lived in the precinct where you vote for at least 30 days prior to the election; and
• You are registered to vote.

Register to Vote Online

Register to vote online by visiting http://www.indianavoters.com/.  Indiana residents with a valid Indiana driver’s license or Indiana state-issued identification card will be able to use this tool to submit a new voter registration application or to update an existing voter registration record.

In addition to registering to vote online, http://www.indianavoters.com/ provides Hoosiers with the ability to validate their voter registration status, find their polling place location, look into their provisional ballot status information, find county contact information, and determine “Who's on My Ballot?” for an upcoming election.

Absentee Voting

Constitution Day on Campus

Sept. 17 + 18, 2024

Check back in August for a detailed agenda and list of events! 

Nonpartisan Groups

League of Women Voters

Indianapolis Urban League

ACLU of Indiana

Indiana Legislature

• Contact your Legislator
• Constitution
• Laws, Statutes, and Rules
• How a Bill Becomes a Law
• Track a Bill During Session
• Legislation by Legislator

The General Assembly, the legislative branch, consists of the Senate and the House of Representatives. Indiana's fifty State Senators are elected for four-year terms and one hundred State Representatives for two-year terms. In odd-numbered years, the General Assembly meets in a sixty-one day session. In even-numbered years, the Assembly meets for thirty session days.

Your Elected Officials

• Governor
• Lieutenant Governor
• Attorney General
• Auditor
• Secretary of State
• Treasurer
• Superintendent of Public Instruction

Indiana's form of government is closely modeled on the federal government with three branches: executive, legislative and judicial. The Governor, elected for a four-year term, heads the executive branch.

Be a Poll Worker in 2024

Marion County Election Board

To be a poll worker in Marion County, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be a registered voter of Marion County (exception: high school students)
• Inspectors must attend training provided by the Election Board
• Clerks are strongly encouraged to attend training, as some procedures may change between elections
• Work a full day, from setup to tear down, as an Inspector or Clerk on Election Day. Half-day shifts are available for Clerks only.
• Have access to transportation

Poll Worker Portal - Click to apply

• Democratic Party
• Republican Party
• Green Party
• Reform Party
• Libertarian Party

• Communist Party USA

• Socialist Workers Party USA
• Constitution Party
• American Reform Party
• Roll Call Online
• Third Party Watch

• White House
• U.S. House
• Senate
• Supreme Court
• Electoral College
• Federal Election Commission
• National Governor's Association
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
• Federal Reserve
• Office of Management and Budget
• Congressional Budget Office
• General Accounting Office
• Federal Judiciary
• Department of Justice
• Social Security Administration
• Department of Health & Human Services