Indiana election results 2022: Conservative school board candidates sweep Hamilton County

The 2022 midterm election kicked off across the U.S. on Tuesday and Indiana polls were open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

IndyStar reporters have continued to provide live updates throughout the day and evening as ballots were cast and votes are counted.

11 p.m. ― Conservative, 'anti-CRT' school board candidates sweep in Hamilton County

Conservative candidates vying for seats on local school boards in Hamilton County grabbed majority control in one district and picked up seats in two others, according to final, unofficial returns.

A slate of four conservative candidates looking to secure the majority on the Hamilton Southeastern school board swept their opponents Tuesday night. Juanita Albright, Dawn Lang, Ben Orr and Tiffany Pascoe ran together as a slate of like-minded candidates in opposition to the district's current leadership and priorities. They won decisively; the slimmest margin of victory was more than 14 points.

The races for three seats and the majority on the Carmel Clay Schools board have been hotly contested and, at times, ugly. Candidates have accused each other of unfair attacks and of damaging campaign materials. A slate of three conservative candidates were down in early voting, but the margin narrowed as Election Day returns were tallied.

More:'We're not giving up': Failed 'anti-CRT' legislation fueling school board races

According to unofficial results Tuesday night, one of those candidates secured a seat on the board. Greg Brown beat Jake Nichols by 104 votes ― less than 1 point.

The other two candidates on the conservative slate running with Brown, Adam Sharp and Jenny Brake, lost by similarly narrow margins.

-Arika Herron

10:15 p.m. ― Diego Morales claims victory in race for Indiana Secretary of State

Republican Diego Morales has claimed victory in the race for Indiana secretary of state, though the Associated Press has not yet called the race.

"The truth always prevails," he said to a small, but loud and standing crowd. "Let me say that again: The truth always prevails."

Wells took the stage at the Democratic watch party to acknowledge the loss. In a foreboding speech, she devoted her time to talking about what lies ahead for Indiana in the next four years.

“It’s very serious,” she said. “We were on the precipice of something amazing — an amazing opportunity for Indiana with this office. We were about to flip Indiana blue for the first time in a decade, but we fell a little short. Now it is upon you, Hoosiers, who will be charged with securing our elections because our next secretary of state is going to need all of our help in a very big way.”

As of 10:15 p.m., Morales has 55% of the vote, Wells has 39% and Libertarian James Maurer has 6%.

10 p.m. ― Andrea Hunley gives victory speech in State Senate race

After Thomas McDermott’s loss to Sen. Todd Young, Democrats had a reason to celebrate: Andrea Hunley declared victory in the State Sen. District 46 race, beating Republican Evan Shearin.

With 27% of the votes counted, Hunley has 74% of the vote.

Before a jubilant crowd at the Democratic watch party at Nevermore, Hunley stood before the podium, pointing out traditionally under-represented groups.

“Women, we see you, and we stand with you in our fight for abortion rights and for health care” she said. “Our seniors who are on fixed incomes, we see you. Our children, we're fighting for climate change, we see you. Women and allies and moms who are out there fighting for common sense gun reform, we see you. Our LGBTQ friends and neighbors and family, we see you. And Black trans women, we see you. My brothers and sisters in the Muslim and Jewish communities, we see you. Latino, Latinx, we see you.”

Hunley said she was proud to stand among Democrats who worked hard during the election cycle to connect with communities across Indiana. Looking out over the crowd, Hunley said Democrats want to make sure that government is held accountable and continues to represent everyone.

“We elect candidates that look like us here in Indiana,” she said. “Little Black girls, this is for you.”

-Alexandria Burris

9:30 p.m. ― Cyndi Carrasco concedes Marion County prosecutor's race to Ryan Mears

Republican Cyndi Carrasco offered her congratulations to Democratic incumbent Ryan Mears in conceding the Marion County prosecutor's race. In doing so, she released the following statement:

"When we decided to run for Marion County Prosecutor, we knew this was an uphill climb. The odds were stacked against us running as a Republican in a blue county, but the stakes were too high not to try. Indianapolis and all of Marion County has experienced three years of record violence, and what we are doing is simply not working," her statement said.

"To Ryan Mears, I offer my congratulations, and hope you will take the trust voters have placed in you to make much-needed changes in our criminal justice system. To my family and friends, to all of our dedicated supporters, and to everyone we’ve met along this journey, thank you. Our efforts were not in vain, and I’m hopeful for Marion County,” Carrasco said in her statement.

A spokesperson for Carrasco said she would not be making further public statements Tuesday night.

“I am truly grateful for the trust that voters have placed in me tonight,” reads a statement from Mears. “And I’m ready to keep building a justice system worthy of the community’s trust. I will continue to strive to be a prosecutor for the people. We’ve never shied away from the tough calls, because it’s always the right time to do the right thing.”

In Hamilton County, Republican Greg Garrison appears headed for a victory, holding 57% of the vote against Democrat Jessica Paxson as of 8:55 p.m.

At about 9:30 p.m., Paxson said she called Republican Garrison to concede.

"I congratulated him and told him he inherited a great office," Paxson said.

9:15 p.m. ― State senate race called for Kyle Walker

The Associated Press has called Senate District 31, one of the more competitive Indiana statehouse races, for incumbent Republican Kyle Walker.

Walker has raised $1 million this year, a surprisingly high number for a Statehouse candidate, in part due to a huge lift from the Senate Republican caucus. He faced a challenge from at-large Fishers City Councilwoman Jocelyn Vare.

9 p.m. ― Several congressional seats called; Mrvan ahead in closely watched race

The Associated Press has called several U.S. Congressional races.

Indiana election results: Get the latest live results here from local and state races

These include victories for Republican Rudy Yakym in the 2nd Congressional District, replacing the late Rep. Jackie Walorski; Republican U.S. Rep. Jim Banks in District 3; Republican U.S. Rep. Jim Baird in District 4; Republican U.S. Rep. Victoria Spartz in District 5; Republican U.S. Rep. Greg Pence in District 6; and Democratic U.S. Rep. Andre Carson in District 7.

Meanwhile, in the 1st U.S. House district that is being closely watched by Republicans nationwide, Democratic incumbent Frank Mrvan has a 14-percentage-point lead over Republican challenger Jennifer-Ruth Green.

8:35 p.m. ― Thomas McDermott concedes US Senate race to Sen. Todd Young

Thomas McDermott, the democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, told gatherers at the Democratic watch party in downtown Indianapolis that he called Republican Sen. Todd Young to concede the race.

This comes shortly after the Associated Press officially called the race for Young.

Surrounded by supporters in T-shirts and carrying signs, McDermott thanked supporters, family and friends. The night did not go the way he wanted. Still, he urged his supporters to support Young.

“Obviously, I didn’t want it to turn out he way that it did today, but now that it did turn out his way, I want you all to know that it’s imperative that we get behind Sen. Young and support him and try to move American forward because we lot of problems in this country," McDermott said. "We got a lot of problems in this state. We need our elected leaders in Washington DC to do a great job for us.”

Young, meanwhile, is giving a victory speech at the Republican watch party at the JW Marriott.

"It's tempting to think of election nights like this as the end of something," Young said. "This is the beginning of something new."

8:20 p.m. ― Ryan Mears leads Marion County prosecutors race

Incumbent Democrat Ryan Mears has taken an early lead over Republican Cyndi Carrasco in the race for Marion County prosecutor.

Mears, as of 8 p.m. Tuesday, has earned 58% of the votes so far, with 22% of voting centers reporting returns. Carrasco has earned 41% of votes.

Meanwhile, in Hamilton County, former radio talk show host Greg Garrison is holding an early lead in the race for prosecutor. Republican Garrison had tallied 54% of the vote against Democrat Jessica Paxson, with 40 of 217 precincts reporting.

8 p.m. ― Democratic watch party sees speeches by U.S. Rep. Andre Carson, Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett

More than an hour after the polls closed in Indiana, Congressman Andre Carson walked into the Democratic Party's election watch party to deliver one of the first speeches of the night. The party is taking place at Nevermore, all-encompassing entertainment venue, restaurant and bar on Meridian Street in Downtown Indianapolis.

An incumbent running to retain his seat, Carson was surrounded by well-wishers, waiting to shake his hand or take a picture. They cheered as some waved campaign signs.

Hogsett took the podium before him and introduced Carson, calling the Congressman "a legend."

Carson, Hogsett said, has worked with Democrats in Washington to deliver the American Rescue Plan, a bipartisan infrastructure law that invests in roads and bridges and tackling inflation. Hogsett called Carson a tireless advocate and someone with the heart to do the right thing.

But there are no celebrations yet.

"While the margin will settle over the coming hours, it's clear that Indianapolis voters know who can deliver for them in Washington DC," he said.

To cheers, Carson thanked his campaign staff and referenced the Jan. 6 storming of the Capitol. That’s the one place he and his colleagues thought was sacred, he said, retelling the story of the insurrection.

“In an empty building with broken glass and debris, then piece by piece, brick by brick, we started to rebuild our democracy,” he said to applause. “That’s what tonight is all about. We have to rebuild again. Win or lose, we need to tell every person who voted today, and who didn’t vote today, that they shouldn’t give up. Our party has the best message. Our party has the best agenda. Our party represents the true values of the American people. Our party represents Hoosiers values.”

Movements, Carson said, are not created behind computer screens or by sitting at home. “They are created when we do the work, and you all have done the work today,” he said.

-Alexandria Burris

7:40 p.m. ― Early projections call U.S. Senate race for Todd Young

CBS, NBC and ABC are calling the Indiana's U.S. Senate race for Republican Sen. Todd Young, though just 12% of the votes have been counted, not including Marion County's.

So far, Young has 62% of the vote, compared to Democrat Thomas McDermott's 35% and Libertarian James Sceniak's 3%.

7 p.m. ― With polls closed, some early results trickle in

The Republican party is showing some early leads in key state races so far.

With about 2% of the vote counted, Republican Diego Morales has 49% of the vote for Indiana secretary of state, while Democrat Destiny Wells has 48% of the vote and Libertarian James Maurer has 3% of the vote.

More:Indiana election: Republicans have early leads in auditor, treasurer & secretary of state races

In the race for Indiana's U.S. Senate seat, Republican Sen. Todd Young has a comfortable margin over Democratic challenger Thomas McDermott and Libertarian candidate James Sceniak.

With about 4% of the votes counted, Young has 58% of the vote, McDermott 39% and Sceniak 3%.

Republican Auditor Tera Klutz has an early lead in her reelection bid against Democrat ZeNai Brooks and Libertarian John Schick. With about 2% of the vote counted, Klutz has 59% of the vote, Brooks has 39% and Schick has 2% of the vote.

Republican Daniel Elliott, the chair of the Morgan County Republican Party, has an early lead against Democrat Jessica McClellan, the Monroe County treasurer, on the ballot for state treasurer. With about 2% of the vote counted, Elliott has 52% of the vote and McClellan has 47% of the vote.

6 p.m. ― Abortion and crime are key issues for voters in West side Indianapolis

Inside the Roy G. Holland Memorial Park Building, a short line to show ID and access a voting machine formed just before polls closed at 6 p.m. As the sun dropped and temperatures lowered, a steady stream of voters moved in and out.

Dorothy Andrews, 75, of Fishers, is a regular voter who normally splits her choices between Democrats and Republicans. But this year, citing the abortion debate, economy and future of social programs, she selected a straight Democratic ticket.

"Medicare is a big one for me," Andrews said. Asked if she meant to protect the program's funding, she nodded. "At least until I die."

5:50 p.m. ― Abortion and crime are key issues for voters in West side Indianapolis

Late Tuesday afternoon, voter traffic ticked up as the sun started to set on the west side of Indianapolis at Lakeview Church.

By 5 p.m., campaign volunteer Meredith Easley had logged 11 hours. She’d been there since before sunrise.

“I’d say there’s been about 600 voters,” she said. “The age skews older. I haven’t seen anyone under 21.”

A Marine veteran accompanied by an oxygen tank walked by as she talked. So did a man on crutches, missing one leg.

“It’s sad,” Easley said. “I wish the young people could see how hard the old people who’ve been coming have to work just to get here.”

Michael Hicks, 56, and his wife, Camille Hicks, 53, from nearby Speedway, voted here today. They had one particular issue in mind: crime.

“Somebody tried to break in our house two months ago,” Michael said. “There’s no such thing as a decent neighborhood anymore.”

Michael, an army veteran, voted straight Democrat. He hopes whoever is elected will increase police presence in the area.

“My neighbor just had a bullet shot through their window,” he added. “It’s ridiculous.”

On the younger end of the voting spectrum seen at Lakeview Church was Sabrina Martinez, 29, who lives less than five minutes away. She showed up to vote for the first time ever but was rejected.

“They couldn’t find me in the system,” Martinez said. “When they scanned my I.D., they couldn’t find me.”

Martinez said the inspector made a phone call to figure out what could’ve gone wrong but said the phone just rang without anyone answering. He told her there was nothing he could do, she said, so she left.

Voting info:What to bring and how to vote in Indiana

“I feel… not necessarily disappointed but concerned,” Martinez said, “because how many other people did this happen to?”

Abortion rights were the big issue that compelled her to the polls. She said she knows women who’ve been directly impacted by the change in law.

“I’d like to see abortion be legal again,” Martinez said.

-Brandon Drenon

Indiana races to watch:It's election day. Here are Indiana races to watch

5:20 p.m. ― Overturning of Roe V. Wade, education issues draw voters to IPS administration building

By late afternoon, the number of voters walking into the IPS administration building in downtown Indianapolis has slowed to a trickle.

Gregory Touney, 38, Indianapolis, thinks educators are underrepresented in the state legislature, which is why he voted for Andrea Tunley for state senator.

Tunley is a principal at the Center for Inquiry School 2, an IPS magnet school in the heart of downtown. She is running against Republican Evan Shearin for State Senate District 46, which encompasses downtown Indianapolis.

Touney said many of his neighbors know Tunley as their children’s principal and has heard only good things about her.

“I think it would be great to send an educator to the statehouse,” said Touney, who has two kids ages 2 and 10 months. “The impression I get from people is that she’s someone who has parents enthusiastic about her, who understands firsthand as an educator what issues are important.”

Others, like several who voted Tuesday, said abortion is the single most important issue for them.

“(The overturning of) Roe v Wade has a huge impact on maternal health across the state and across the country,” said Cassandra Tice, 33, Indianapolis, who works in healthcare as a grant writer for IU Health.

Vivian Nayiga, 36, Indianapolis, said she prefers no government intervention when it comes to women’s bodies.

“I don’t like that people are trying to tell women what to do with their bodies. It’s their choice,” said Nayiga, who said she’s voting for a straight Democratic ticket.

-Kristine Phillips

4:50 p.m. ― Steady stream in Hamilton County includes a House candidate

A trickle of voters moved through First Baptist Church, 1010 E. 126^th St. in Carmel, at 12:30 p.m. Married couple Gene and Sandy Bone, 87 and 75, of Carmel, said they are regular voters and supporting the entire Republican slate in 2022.

"We were headed in the right direction, and now we're going the opposite," Sandy Bone said.

Bone said energy independence and rising costs were major concerns.

"Too many people are suffering," she said.

The Bones don't normally vote solely for one party, Sandy said, but did so on Tuesday.

Foot traffic was more sparse at nearby Chinese Community Church, 3405 E. 116^th St., as only a handful of voters entered and exited between 1:15 and 1:30 p.m.

Just before 2 p.m., Jack Belbot, 59, of Carmel, voted at Faith Apostolic Church, 1212 E. 116^th St. in Carmel. This year, he split his ticket. He was concerned about the economy, border security and energy independence.

Matt McNally, the Democratic challenger in Indiana House District 39, arrived at Faith Apostolic around 2 p.m. It was stop 18 in his plan to visit all 24 polling places within the district.

McNally said it was "hard to tell" how his race, one of the cycle's more intriguing in the statehouse, was going at this early juncture.

"It's all anecdotal, you know?" he said. "We've seen some posts on social media from people who are supporting us, but (in person) people are private about who they vote for."

He said his campaign contacted some 30,000 voters ahead of the election and knocked on one-third of the doors in the district.

Asked about the issues commonly cited by voters who spoke to IndyStar on election — the economy, abortion, energy independence — McNally said he believes the issues are all interconnected.

"Indiana needs to be a place that is good for business but also good for the employees of those businesses," McNally said. "Companies like Lilly have said we'll move if our employees can't access good health care and safe public schools. The state says we're going to ban abortion, and that affects the economy when people leave the state."

The stream through CrossRoads Church at Westfield, 19201 Grassy Branch Road, was fairly constant as of 3 p.m. A few dozen cars filled the parking lot, and voters entered or exited the building every minute or two.

Mandy Snyder, 40, of Westfield, said she had voted in every election since turning 18.

"It's how you express your opinion, which I like to do," Snyder said as she pushed a stroller containing her 1-year-old son, Cash.

She cited the economy and crime as reasons for voting, and she typically supported Republicans.

"I'm concerned about what's going on around me," Snyder said. "Crime has infiltrated our area, even up in Hamilton County. My Westfield moms group has posts about somebody stealing a wallet and things like that near where we live."

-Rory Appleton

4:30 p.m. ― Some turnout updates from Central Indiana

Elections clerks in Central Indiana counties say this Election Day has been consistently busy and relatively smooth.

As of about 4:30p.m., 132,216 people have voted in Marion County, in addition to about 50,000 early in-person voters and just under 25,000 mail-in ballots, which are still tricking in, election board deputy director Brent Stinson said. All told, those votes would comprise about 30% of registered voters in the county.

In Boone County, 9,931 people have voted, with the only long line clerk Jessica Fouts is aware of being in Zionsville. This 36% turnout so far is lower than she expected, given that 56% turned out for the midterms in 2018, she said.

In Johnson County, 20,359 people have voted in person today. Elections Administrator Beth Sheller hasn't heard of any lines longer than 30 to 40 people, and most poll workers have told her they've been consistently busy all day. In Hancock County, 8,601 people have showed up today.

-Kayla Dwyer

3:30 p.m. ― Abortion and crime pull voters in Fountain Square

For several voters who walked into the Indianapolis Fire Department station in Fountain Square Tuesday afternoon, abortion is the most pressing issue.

Caroline Clark, 30, Indianapolis, said she was really distraught after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, ending five decades of federal protection on abortion rights. Clark said she does not plan to have children, but several women in her family and circle of friends did not have the kind of independence she enjoys. Some of them, she said, had children at a young age, while others are stuck in abusive relationships.

Like Clark, Sharon Anton, 33, Indianapolis, voted for a straight Democratic ticket, with women’s right to choose in mind.

“I think there’s a lot of major players in government that feel they have the right to make decisions for other people,” Anton said. “(Abortion) is a personal decision. The government has no place.”

The issue is pressing not just to women.

“I’m tired of old white men thinking they can make choices for everybody,” said Joseph Hofmeister, 30, Indianapolis.

Some have other things in mind.

Ossie Pryor, 89, Indianapolis, said she voted for Cyndi Carrasco for Marion County prosecutor because she thinks the Republican challenger will solve the city’s rising crime problem.

Pryor, once a loyal Democrat, said she’s particularly disappointed in Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears’ decision to not enforce the state’s red flag law against Brandon Scott Hole, who killed and injured several people at a FedEx facility last year. The gun control law allows law enforcement to take weapons from people deemed dangerous to themselves or to others. Police confiscated a gun from Hole because of suicidal threats months before the FedEx shooting, but Mears’ office decided to not move forward with red flag proceedings.

In one of the more controversial races, Pryor said she voted for Democrat Destiny Wells for secretary of state.

“The other guy … he has some issues. That’s all I gotta' say,” referring to the slew of controversies, including sexual assault allegations, against Republican candidate Diego Morales.

Kevin Anton, 32, Indianapolis, has a broader take. His hope this election season is to elect politicians who aren’t detached from reality. He said both parties are guilty of it, but one example is Republicans’ decision to vote against Donald Trump’s impeachment despite evidence of wrongdoing by the former president.

“You’re just not seeing what’s in front of you,” Anton said.

-Kristine Phillips

3:15 p.m. ― Some tech issues cause long lines in Broad Ripple

One of the three printers that spat out ballots went down and a replacement printer also glitched, leading to some long waits at Broad Ripple High School today.

Mid morning, the line stretched down a hallway inside the school and into the parking lot. Some people were directed to other polling places which had shorter waits.

By early afternoon, the line outside had nearly disappeared but people still could expect to wait at least half an hour.

The longer wait at Broad Ripple High School did not deter voters. Susan Vaughn stepped into the school, saw the line and stepped right out. But Vaughn, 53, had no intention of not voting. The mother of two adult daughters, she said that wanted to vote to ensure that they would have full reproductive rights.

So Vaughn hopped in her car and drove to another polling place about two miles away where she was able to walk in and out.

Mark Anderson, 47, who last voted in the 2020 Presidential Election, stuck it out. That time, he said, he waited not one but two hours to vote.

-Shari Rudavsky

3 p.m. ― Some colorful attire at Broad Ripple High School

In fourth grade, Larry Mitchell voted for Eisenhower in the class’s mock election. But since then he has moved ever left. This year the 75-yer-old Broad Ripple resident did not hesitate as he voted the straight Democratic ticket.

Many people, he said as he exited Broad Ripple High School, will likely end up voting straight tickets.

“There’s such an ideological split that you vote for parties,” he said. “I voted for the party that’s happier and nicer.”

Wearing a white t-shirt that proclaimed the phrase “Makey Sensey,” Jordan Hayes, 23, said the message was not meant to be a pointed one for the day.

Hayes, who said she voted the straight Democratic ticket at Broad Ripple High School, said she votes for two reasons: One, her parents always told her to do so and two, voting gives her the right to gripe.

“I can’t complain if I don’t vote,” Hayes said, “whatever happens at least I said my piece.”

Colin Saunders was doing more than saying his piece. He was wearing it. Decked out in shorts, sunglasses and a hat emblazoned with the Stars and Stripes, Saunders, 35, said this has been his go-to Election Day outfit since he turned 18.

Some people might assume given his sartorial choices that his ballot choice leaned Republican but Saunders said he typically votes for the Democratic candidates and did so this year with the Jan. 6^th hearings, abortion and inflation top of mind.

“There’s no monopoly on loving your country,” he said. “I just hope there’s better days to come.”

-Shari Rudavsky

2:05 p.m. — Warren Park Government Center is bustling

Brock Wagner, 32, and Jaris Wagner, 30, said they came out to vote today on the topic of abortion.

The Indianapolis couple said “we think our baby is very, very super cute, so we voted pro-life.” Their son Maccabee is 11 months old.

Warren Park resident Gary Brewer, 66, said he is out to vote because it’s his right to do so and he’s taking advantage of it.

“There are a lot of changes going around, a lot of them negative, I think, so I’m just trying to do something positive with my vote,” he said.

— Sarah Bowman

1:15 p.m. — Voting is duty for these Indianapolis residents

At the Sacred Heart Parish Hall, sisters Shirley Mitchell and Linda Walls emphasized the importance of having your voice heard.

"This is one of my duties," said Mitchell, 65, who lives near downtown.

For Walls, 63, she said: "I want the Democrats to get in there to win."

"Get out here and vote," Walls said. "Even if you aren't a Democrat," she added.

The issue of women's rights brought 67-year-old Sue Gilliatt to the voting center.

"I just wanted to support the candidates who support the majority's opinion," she said.

She also talked about the economy. The current economy's woes were not created by either political party, she said; instead, she pointed to the pandemic, which created supply chain issues.

"As far as the economy goes, it's like when you throw a rock into a puddle," she said. "It causes ripples."

Dave Ellis, 58, encouraged other voters to state their opinions by casting a ballot.

Though he's a Republican living in a red state, he said he still tends to split his ticket — including in the 2022 midterm election.

"I vote the issue and I vote the character of the person," said Ellis, who lives near downtown.

When asked what issues were important to him in this election, Ellis said: "The right to choose for women."

— Ryan Martin

12:45 p.m. — Voters in downtown Indy cite abortion, crime as major concerns

At the City-County Building in downtown Indianapolis, lines have been relatively short and fast-moving as voters slowly trickle in.

Queen Esther Ray, 67, Indianapolis voted for a straight Democratic ticket. As someone who’s had an abortion herself, she said women’s access to a safe and lawful abortion is one of the issues driving her. She cited the case of the 10-year-old girl from Ohio whose story became a flashpoint for a national conversation about abortion. The girl was raped and went to Indiana for an abortion.

“She’ll have no life if they made her keep that baby,” Ray said. “She’ll be growing up with that baby.”

The economy has also been top-of-mind for Ray. “It’s getting to be a big struggle to pay for food. It’s ridiculous how much butter costs!”

Democrats nationally have been facing headwinds ahead of the midterm elections because of rising prices, but that did not affect Ray’s support for the party.

“Democrats still struggle, but I believe, long enough, they’ll get it right,” she said. “It takes time.”

Margo Rickter, over 40, lives in downtown Indianapolis, so crime and safety in the area are important to her. She cited the city’s struggles to hire and retain police officers, as well as the need to fund not only public safety agencies but also places like the Wheeler Mission, which helps the city’s homeless.

Rickter, who does not affiliate with any party, voted for Republican Cyndi Carrasco for Marion County prosecutor. Carrasco has blamed Democratic incumbent Ryan Mears for the city’s rising surge in homicides and has criticized the sitting prosecutor for not being aggressive enough in enforcing laws.

Rickter, a single woman, said she wants the heart of the city to be safer.

“Majority of my taxes go for things I would never use, like schools, which is okay,” she said, adding that city officials should appropriate taxpayer dollars to make downtown safer, not only for someone like her but also for families with children.

— Kristine Phillips

12:45 p.m. — Over 40,000 voters in Hamilton County, no significant issues

As of around 12:15 p.m., 42,712 people had voted in Hamilton County on Tuesday, around 30% turnout, election administrator Beth Sheller told IndyStar.

Some locations had long lines, around 30 minutes, but otherwise things were going smoothly. They had to replace two machines, "which is pretty typical," Sheller said.

— Claire Rafford

12:40 p.m. — Updates from the Twittersphere

12:30 p.m. — Vote for Graciela's birthday

12:30 p.m. — Slow going at fire station on Indy's westside

Things were mostly quiet at the Indianapolis Fire Department Station 18 Tuesday morning, a voting center on Indianapolis’ west side.

Dozens of campaign signs sat lined up on each side of the walkway, leading toward the entrance. The American flag fluttered high above. Nearby, standing below, was Courtney Rice, 55, the lone campaign volunteer at the location and the only person in sight outside the firehouse at 9:15 a.m.

Hoping to bolster support for Jeb Bardon for Wayne Township Trustee, Rice said he’d been there since 5:45.

“It’s been slow. Very slow,” Rice said. “I’d be surprised if there were 75 people that voted here.”

It was a stark contrast compared to what Rice said he heard the scene was like two years ago when a line of voters wrapped around the building for the presidential election.

Earnest Feather, 58, who lives less than a mile away, showed up to vote. This year, he said he was particularly surprised by the number of candidates up for election.

“I think government has gotten way too big,” Feather said. “I’ve never even heard of half the names on the ballot.”

Feather voted Republican, concerned about inflation and the rising cost of daily expenses like food and gas. However, he’s especially worried about crime.

“These shootings and stuff just got to go,” Feather said. “It’s getting ridiculous.”

“Respect for law enforcement has gone down,” he added. “The financial burdens everyone is going through right now. It’s tough. Harder now than it used to be.”

Over the years Feather has seen Indianapolis change and, according to him, not for the better. He said his vote is underlined by a desire to “just see people happier.”

Walking up to the polling site with her rescue dog, Bentley, a Shih Tzu-Yorkie, Lindsay Berlin, 35, did not have crime and inflation on the top of her priority list.

“I care more about human rights and social justice,” Berlin said, “than how much I pay for taxes.”

“Women are dying because they don’t have the right to choose what to do with their bodies.”

Berlin said she votes with a hope to improve the lives of those in need, those who can’t help themselves, and not about money.

She voted Democrat, as she has every year, she said, since her first election, voting for former President Obama in 2008. This year, though, Berlin said things feel different.

“There’s so much division,” Berlin said. “There’s never been such a divide amongst peers, colleagues, family and friends.”

— Brandon Drenon

12:30 p.m. — A midterm that’s a pulse for the next election

Mickey Lentz, who lives in the Southport area, doesn’t think this midterm feels different from others. But she does believe it will give an indication of what’s to come in the next election.

“You kind of know the pulse of the people and what they’re thinking and what party or person has risen to his or her potential and done something for the city, the state, the country,” said Lentz, 81, outside the Indy Honda voting site off U.S. 31 and East Stop 12 Road. “I think it gives us a chance to kind of weigh that in the next two years before the next presidential election.”

First-time voter Paige Tucker, 18, made sure that pulse included young people’s views — a perspective her mom Tisha Tucker, of Perry Township, said will be important this midterm.

“I think young people have a better adaptability to being open-minded,” said Paige Tucker outside of Resurrection Lutheran Church.

“Having children of voting age, they definitely have very different views and opinions about things and so it’s important for them to learn how to get out and advocate for themselves and others on those issues,” said Tisha Tucker, 48.

After getting some initial voter registration issues sorted out, Paige called the voting process smooth and easy.

“I feel 18,” she said.

— Domenica Bongiovanni 

12:05 p.m. — Inflation an important issue for some Noblesville voters

At about 10:45 a.m., there was a steady trickle in and out of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church as Noblesville voters cast their ballots.

For Mike Pierce, 65, of Noblesville, the Senate race was important. Pierce, a Republican, voted for Todd Young and is hoping Republicans can get control of the House and Senate.

Another important issue was rising prices due to inflation, he said.

Scott Britton, 50, of Noblesville, said things are less clear-cut for him.

“I’m all about balance,” he said. “I think we’ve seen a lot of polarizing things going on.”

Britton said the Republican Party has been frustrating him in recent years: “I am actually a registered Republican, and I’m disgusted with the direction the party has taken.”

Another issue that got him to the polls was the school board elections. Britton, who has children in school, said that he strongly believes in supporting teachers because they’ve been educated on how to teach.

Monica and Warren Brown, 67, of Noblesville, arrived at the polls to vote together.

Both said they aren’t affiliated with a party and prefer to vote candidate-by-candidate. The main thing they were thinking about as they voted was “the rising cost of everything.”

Monica Warren also pointed out discomfort with polarization.

“Instead of the backbiting, I want people to work together,” she said.

— Phyllis Cha

12:05 p.m. — 'My ancestors fought and died for me to be able to vote'

The Nora Commons on the Monon had a decent showing in the morning, with about 140 voters showing up before 10 a.m.

Sherman Bankhead, 67, of Indianapolis, said he almost missed out on voting because he thought he’d have a mail-in ballot to send off but at the last minute realized he needed to head out to the polls. He votes regularly and said it’s a duty.

“My ancestors fought and died for me to be able to vote,” Bankhead said. “I’m just afraid that if my party don’t maintain power, we’re going to be up the creek without a paddle. As an adult, you know right from wrong and know when someone is lying. There’s so much lying going on now that it’ll almost drive you insane.”

Bankhead said there used to be a time when he didn’t care whether a candidate was Republican or Democrat, as long as they were going to work for the people.

“That’s all that matters and I miss those days,” Bankhead said.

Tony Driver, 63 of Indianapolis, also said he typically votes even in midterms. He said he’s particularly interested in the senate race this year and that he’s not a fan of Todd Young.

“I don’t see him doing anything for Indiana or the lower and middle class,” Driver said.

At St. Luke’s on West 86^th Street, there were minor delays late morning that cleared up pretty quickly.

Justin Bromley, 35, of Indianapolis, said he does not typically vote in midterm elections but that this year was different.

“It just felt like democracy is at stake,” he said. “I feel like the Republican side is fighting results and it’s very ugly, so I wanted to get out and vote.”

Larry Eglen, 83, and Carol Eglen, 82, both of Indianapolis, were at St. Luke’s late morning to cast full Republican ballots.

Larry said he doesn’t trust the Democrats and wanted to cast a straight Republican ticket, something that isn’t typical for him.

“When you’ve lost as much as we have in our IRAs and savings, I just don’t trust (President) Biden,” Larry said.

The couple voted Republican because “woke and indoctrinated is a terrible thing,” Carol said.

— Karl Schneider

11:45 a.m. — Making a (fashion) statement

11:45 a.m. —  Northside Indianapolis voters say 2022 midterm brings high stakes

Many voters said that they saw these midterm elections as being unusually critical for a non-presidential contest as the nation stands on the brink of heading in one of two directions.

Nothing less than the “future of the country” is at stake with this year’s elections, said John Bartholomew, 66. Bartholomew declined to give specifics on how he voted, although he said he did mix up the ballot, as he typically does.

“I’d like to see common sense and sanity come back in government,” Bartholomew said outside of College Park Elementary. “I want it to be the country I grew up in… Just put it back on track, I just don’t like the way it’s going.”

Midterms typically do not draw William Hazelwood, 60, out to vote, he said.

But as he exited a polling place at a Ditch Road fire station just south of 86^th St., Hazelwood said that this year he felt it imperative to vote in light of what happened in Washington on Jan. 6, 2021 and the ensuing hearings.

“I don’t mind public discourse, but when it becomes weaponized, I have a problem with that,” said Hazelwood, who voted a Democratic ticket. “Normally I split my vote, but I couldn’t do it this time.”

Luis Figueroa, 31, agreed that claims of election fraud on the behalf of Republicans propelled him to the polls for this midterm election. In addition, he said, he would like to see Roe v. Wade codified and cannabis made legal in Indiana, just as other neighboring states have done.

The response to past elections, however, was top of his mind, he said outside the fire station.

“We get a lot of people that don’t want to admit the election was not stolen, which it was not,” he said.

However, on Marion County's northwest side, many voters Tuesday morning mentioned how streamlined and easy casting a ballot was.

Some noted with approval the fact that even though one votes electronically, voters then get a printed ballot, which they deposit into a ballot box, allowing for physical recounts should that be necessary.

“I think it was the best set up I’ve seen it,” said Larry Bradshaw, 75, who said he voted the straight Republican party ticket at College Park Elementary.

In addition to voting for those who, like her, support abortion rights, Hannah Wiese, 30, said she hopes that many others in the state come out Tuesday.

“I want to put my voice forward,” said Wiese as she exited the voting booth at College Park Elementary. “It’s really important for us to represent Indiana.”

A native of Boston and recent Butler graduate, Colin Dennis, 22, now considers Indiana his home. He knows he may lean a little more left than the typical Indiana resident and he said he hopes to bring some of those Massachusetts values here. For instance, he said, he’s particularly concerned about affordable healthcare and which candidates support measures that ensure access to care.

“I’m just trying to get some of those beliefs in Indiana on the local level,” he said.

For Brentton Campbell, 22, voting was critical enough for the DePauw senior to make the hour-long drive from Greencastle to a northwest side polling place off 86^th Street. The son of two public school teachers, Campbell said he views voting as a civic duty, much like paying taxes.

While he said he split his vote, he allowed that he did lean liberal, adding that one issue that’s important for him as a college student facing down graduation is finding ways to reduce college debt.

With ballots cast, voters headed back to work, home, to meet friends for life and go about their day. Tonight they will hear whether their preference carried the majority.

Said Bartholomew: “I vote and hope.”

— Shari Rudavsky

11:45 a.m. —  Voting updates from Johnson, Hancock and Boone Counties

Voting was going smoothly outside of Marion County, minus some long lines at Hancock County polling places, election administrator Robin Spille told IndyStar, with "just a lot of people showing up to vote."

In Hancock County, 4,115 people had turned out to vote just after 11 a.m.

In Boone County, Zionsville also had some long lines, though no longer than 30 minutes, Boone County Clerk Jessica Fouts told IndyStar. As of just before 11 a.m., 4,831 people had voted Tuesday in Boone County.

Trena McLaughlin, Johnson County Clerk, said "we have been very busy, but everything is going well." As of around 11:45 a.m. 11,425 people had voted Tuesday.

— Claire Rafford

11:45 a.m. — Election Day food options

Dreaming of election night pizza (except the morning shift reporters, sadly.)

11 a.m. —  Crime reduction on minds of some south-side voters 

Crime, border security and inflation were top-of-mind issues for several south-side voters and those supporting Republican candidates on Tuesday.

Steve Breedlove, 70, said he’s keeping track of key races across the nation. He said his midterm vote at Perry Township Education Center was a way to stall Democratic-led decisions in Washington that he disagrees with.

“I realize you’ve got to have a balance of government; you’ve got to have Republicans and you’ve got to have Democrats,” Breedlove said. “But we’ve been at two years of just all Democratic rule, and look where it’s got us in the last 21 months.”

Outside the doors, Derek Cahill, the president of the Perry Township GOP Club, said the Marion County prosecutor’s race was the most important for Republicans because he’s heard people express worries about Indianapolis’ crime rate.

“Paul Annee is on City-County Council and he’s pretty famous for saying, ‘You can’t be a suburb of nothing,’ and so it does affect everyone,” said Cahill, 44.

Jim Wheeler of Homecroft, 62, said politicians aren’t taking care of the economy, and he’d like to see that change. But above and beyond the issues, he and his wife, Brenda Wheeler, 68, said they vote because it’s Election Day and that’s their duty. Brenda is a nurse who moved from the Philippines to the U.S. because of what the country offers.

“It was the land of opportunity,” she said. “It’s an old, old statement or whatever, but it is the truth.”

Rem Sanga, a 19-year-old student at Indiana University, left Bloomington at 5 a.m. to support a school board candidate outside Perry Township Education Center. He held a sign for Hre Mang, who’s running for Perry Township School Board.

Sanga, who graduated from Greenwood Community High School, and Mang are part of the Chin community, an ethnic group from Myanmar, on the south side.

“Since we came from a dictatorship country, I would say our parents’ generation didn’t really get into politics because there wasn’t really much democracy and politics to get into. So I think it is groundbreaking that Hre Mang is actually running for office and if he wins, he will be a trailblazer,” Sanga said.

— Domenica Bongiovanni 

9:50 a.m. — Smooth sailing in Marion County

As of Tuesday morning, around 45,000 voters had turned out in Marion County, Brienne Delaney, director of elections for the Marion County Election Board, told IndyStar.

“We have a steady turnout and voting is smooth," Delaney said.

— Claire Rafford

9:00 a.m. — School board races on the minds of Broad Ripple voters

A line of people stretched outside Northminster Presbyterian Church in Broad Ripple as the polls opened at 6 a.m.

Ken and Jennifer Roth, both 52, of Indianapolis, were bundled up waiting in line. While no single race brought them out to vote today, Ken said he thinks it’s been kind of a turbulent time in the country.

“I think both parties are pretty polarized, so just want to get out and express our views and make sure they’re reflected,” he said.

Jennifer said she knows how things are going with Indianapolis Public Schools. “I just want to be supportive of IPS,” she said.

More:Here's who is running for school board elections in Marion County

James Ringer, 30, of Indianapolis, also didn’t have a particular race that brought him to the polls, but he said he’s never missed an election.

Paige Mundy, 29, of Broad Ripple, was at Broad Ripple High School early this morning to cast her first ballot in Indiana. Originally from Pennsylvania, Mundy said she always votes even during midterms.

Joe Smiddie-Brush, 59, of Broad Ripple, spent time researching the ballot before coming out to the polls. He said he’s interested in the school board races this year.

“I’m trying to be an informed person when coming in, and it’s a civic responsibility,” he said. “I wish everyone would (vote), all of my friends even the ones who say they’re voting exactly opposite the way I do.”

At First Friends Meeting on Kessler, voters quickly moved in and out of the ballot boxes.

Bryden Basaran, 32, of Indianapolis, said it was the events of Jan. 6, 2021, that motivated him to get out and vote. It was his first time voting in a midterm election.

Basaran said he voted for a blue ticket event though it wasn’t his preference.

“It’s hard to subvert an election if you don’t have people in the right positions in power to do so," he said. "I’m voting straight ticket until either the Republican Party improves itself or stops being relevant.”

Lindsay Hadley, 44, of Broad Ripple, said she normally comes out to vote for midterms.

“My son is 7 and he goes to Washington Township school(s), so I’m voting for the school board member,” Hadley said.

Hadley’s son, who usually comes along to the polls, grew up with the son of Prosecutor Ryan Mears, a Democrat incumbent, and Hadley said he was concerned about all the negative ads he saw.

“He’d ask: ‘Why are they saying these things?’” Hadley said. “Like I know, if they could just say nice things.”

— Karl Schneider

8:45 a.m. — Abortion driving Fishers voters to the polls

Aimee Bruno, 52, of Fishers, said she votes straight-party Democrat. While she was voting, she said protecting reproductive rights was on her mind.

Bruno, who voted before work at 7:30 a.m., said she has children and nieces, which makes abortion a particularly important issue to her.

“It’s the most important thing to me right now,” she said.

Shortly after, Tim Jones, 51, of Fishers, exited the polling location at Alhuda Foundation. Jones, who has been a Republican for 15 years, said he voted more Democrat than Republican this year.

Abortion was the big-ticket issue for him this year as well.

“I have five daughters,” he said. “I just can’t imagine someone telling them what to do with their body.”

Though Jones doesn’t support abortion, he believes it’s a conversation that should be had between a woman and their doctor, he said. He tells his daughters that if they get pregnant, it's ultimately their choice whether to have an abortion or not, he said.

Another thing that has frustrated him about the Republican Party is their rhetoric, he said, citing the events of Jan. 6, 2021, and the comments Republican lawmakers have made about Paul Pelosi, the husband of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who was recently attacked inside the couple's California home.

“I'm just tired of all the rhetoric, of all the back and forth,” he said.

— Phyllis Cha

8:45 a.m. — 'I would like a better country'

At the Kennedy King Park Center, 30-year-old Lauren Dzikowski had a simple reason for voting: "I would like a better country."

"I feel like we're all disconnected," said Dzikowski, who lives in the Herron Morton neighborhood. "It would be nice if we're one whole country again."

Seth Lucas-Falk, who is married to Dzikowski, also noted he does not feel entitled to complain about the country if he doesn't participate in the voting process.

The Igleharts also voted as a family. For Kent Iglehart, 33, he went "candidate by candidate" in deciding who to vote for.

"I probably split my vote in ways that I haven't in the past," he said.

Kati Townsley, 37, said it was her civic duty to vote. She's also paying close attention to U.S. Senate races in other parts of the country, particularly Georgia and Pennsylvania.

"I know the midterms are so important," said Townsley, who lives in the Kennedy King neighborhood.

Charlene Wilder, 52, said she wanted to ensure her vote is counted.

The Center Township resident said she always votes straight ticket for the Democratic party.

"It's our right so I want to make sure I get out and vote," Wilder said.

— Ryan Martin

8:45 a.m. — Yes, you can buy alcohol on Election Day in Indiana

Okay, yes, but why do you want to know?

The 2012 election marked the first time Hoosiers 21 and older could buy alcohol on Election Day. Indiana was one of the last states to lift the Election Day alcohol ban.

— Claire Rafford

8:45 a.m. — What's open and closed on Election Day?

Election Day is a holiday in the state of Indiana, meaning most local and state offices are closed. All staffed Indy Parks facilities with staff are closed, though the 11 park centers that are voting locations will remain open for voting only.

However, Election Day is not a federal holiday, so banks remain open; and the U.S. Postal Service will continue to deliver mail.

Some Indianapolis-area students may get a day off, too. Washington Township schools, for example, are having an e-learning day, and Wayne Township schools are closed for a staff development day. Many schools are also polling locations.

Indiana does not have a law specifying that employers must give employees time off to vote.

— Claire Rafford

7:10 a.m. — Presidential Site inspires voters to exercise civic right

After casting his ballot inside the Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site, 26-year-old Patrick O'Neill said it's important for voters to brush away apathy. Social media, he said, has shaped peoples' feelings as if no one has their interests in mind.

"This year more than ever citizens need to be participating in the process," said O'Neill, who lives downtown, "no matter which side you're on."

He described education as one reason he voted.

"I hope kids have access to education," he said.

"Reproductive rights and climate change" are what brought 34-year-old Elise Bowling out to vote.

"I'm a woman," said the downtown resident. "This is very important."

For Kenneth Hall, a 62-year-old downtown resident, it was the Indiana Secretary of State race because the position governs elections. The roles have become key across the country, Hall said, in ensuring elections are protected.

"This building and renovation is a picture of that democracy," Hall said, nodding back to the presidential site. "How we preserve our history and celebrate our future."

— Ryan Martin

6:55 a.m. — Ride to the polls for free

IndyGo is waiving fares today until 10 p.m., so Hoosiers can take the bus to the polls for free.

You can find a bus schedule here: indygo.net/routes. Map out your route to your destination here: indygo.net/plan-your-trip.

6 a.m. — Races to watch in Indiana

As Hoosiers head to the polls, abortion and inflation, two of the most prominent issues of the last few months, are likely on their minds.

Some notable races on the ballot include U.S. Senate race, with Sen. Todd Young running for reelection against Hammond Mayor Tom McDermott, a Democrat. Indiana’s 1st District race between incumbent Democrat Rep. Frank Mrvan and Republican challenger Jennifer-Ruth Green has been classified as a toss-up. 

Statewide, Indiana Secretary of State’s race has drawn attention as Republican candidate Diego Morales, running against Democrat Destiny Wells, has drawn disrepute for exaggerating his military service, allegedly sexually assaulting two women and possibly voting illegally, in a different county than the one his permanent address is in.

Both the Marion and Hamilton County prosecutor's races have been heavily followed, well funded and had big-name endorsements. Democrat incumbent prosecutor Ryan Mears faces Republican challenger Cyndi Carrasco in Marion County; and in Hamilton County, Democrat Jessica Paxson is up against Republican Greg Garrison, a former longtime conservative radio show host.

Here are all the races IndyStar’s been covering and watching: bit.ly/3UlL3rY.

Indiana weather: Sun will be shining on Election Day

According to NWS Indianapolis meteorologist Jason Puma, Tuesday will be “a fantastic fall day.”

The forecast is sunny, with high temperatures around 60 degrees, Puma said.

Early voting turnout

As of Monday, 684,692 ballots had been cast in Indiana, including 515,761 cast in person and 157,280 by mail, according to data provided by the Indiana Secretary of State's office.

As of noon Monday, 49,499 people had voted early in Marion County, according to data provided by the Marion County Election Board.

Who is on my ballot in Indiana?

Hoosiers can see the races and candidates appearing on their ballots by visiting indianavoters.in.gov and entering their registration information.

The Indiana Citizen has created a voter guide that will allow users to create a virtual ballot based on their registered address. Users can then view candidate profiles. Visit indianacitizen.org/virtual-ballot to get started.

What do I need to bring to vote in Indiana?

Under Indiana law, you must bring a photo identification to go vote.

Here are the requirements. To be eligible under Indiana’s photo ID law, the identification must:

• Display your photo

• Display your name that conforms to your voter registration record

• Display an expiration date — either current or have expired sometime after the date of the last general election. Exceptions include military ID, as well as tribal ID recognized by the U.S. government, which are not required to have an expiration date.

• Be issued by the state of Indiana or the U.S. government

An Indiana driver’s license, U.S. passport, Indiana photo ID card or military ID will suffice for most voters.

You can view a list of photo identification examples online at in.gov/sos/elections/voter-information/photo-id-law.

Polling places in Indiana

Voting locations vary. For specific, county-related questions, contact your local election office. (A complete list can be found on the absentee by mail application ballot here).

Marion County has vote centers, and residents can vote at any center in the county. You can see a list of vote centers and find the one nearest to you here: vote.indy.gov/vote-centers.

You can view a list of polling locations for the 2022 general election in Hamilton County here: hamiltoncounty.in.gov/226/Polling-Locations. Early voting locations can be found at: bit.ly/3e0KjIS.

You can find your polling center by searching your address at indianavoters.in.gov. In Hamilton County, you must vote at your polling location, assigned by address.

Hendricks County has vote centers, regardless of address. View a list for the general election here: bit.ly/3C1I6oM.

Johnson County is a vote center county. View a list of early voting and election day vote centers here: bit.ly/3C3PwaT.

Boone County also has voting centers. A list can be downloaded from the Boone County Clerk’s Office website: bit.ly/3dW7fcw.

Where to get Indiana election results

IndyStar will be providing local updates from six area counties, which you can find at indystar.com/elections/results/local. Statewide and national races will be updated on our site via the Associated Press.

— Claire Rafford

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana election results: Live updates as race results trickle in