weekend early voting for primary open in St. Joseph County Indiana

St. Joseph County, Indiana, has one final weekend of early voting before the May 6 primary election day, giving residents who can't make it to the polls on Tuesday a chance to cast their ballots in advance.

Two locations are open for weekend early voting: the County-City Building lobby at 227 W. Jefferson Blvd. in South Bend, and the Mishawaka County Services Building. Weekday early voting continues through Monday, May 5.

The primary includes contested races for local offices, state legislative seats, and party nominations that will shape the November general election ballot. Indiana's open primary system allows voters to choose which party's ballot they want to cast, though they must declare a party affiliation.

Early voting has grown significantly in popularity across Indiana and the country, driven by convenience and, increasingly, by concerns about Election Day logistics. Lines at early voting locations have been steady but manageable, according to county officials.

**What This Means For You:** If you're a registered voter in St. Joseph County, this is your last weekend to vote early. Check your registration, find your polling location, and make a plan — whether that's this weekend, Monday, or Tuesday. Local primaries often have the lowest turnout but the most direct impact on your daily life. A few hundred votes can decide a school board seat or a county commissioner race that affects your property taxes, your roads, and your community.