IN HB1096

Requires voters to affiliate with a political party at least 119 days before a primary election to participate, with exceptions for new Indiana residents and 17-year-olds who will be 18 by the general election

Adds party affiliation field to voter registration forms with required text explaining that primary voters must choose a party and can only vote that party's ballot

Reduces in-person early voting period from 28 days to 10 days before election day, ending at noon the day before the election

Prohibits unsolicited absentee ballot applications except from political parties receiving at least 2% of votes for secretary of state in the last election, with civil penalties up to $100 per violation

Requires Secretary of State to conduct at least three public meetings analyzing election equipment costs, including potential phase-out of electronic voting systems and hand-counting paper ballots, with report due to legislative council by November 1, 2026