Seventh Circuit Keeps Indiana Voter ID Ban on School IDs Pending Appeal

On Tuesday, a three‑judge panel of the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago declined to lift Indiana’s law that bars voters from using school identification at polling places. The panel issued a stay on a district‑court injunction that had temporarily blocked the ban.

The case began after an Indiana University student and two advocacy groups sued the 2025 law, arguing it placed an undue burden on students and young voters. A lower court agreed, finding the rule unconstitutional and granting a preliminary injunction. The appellate court’s stay means the ban remains effective while Indiana’s appeal proceeds.

Legal Arguments from Both Sides

Indiana’s Solicitor General James Barta told the judges the state is not seeking to change election rules, only to reverse the district court’s order. He cited the Supreme Court’s 2008 decision in Crawford v. Marion County Election Board, which upheld Indiana’s general voter‑ID requirement.

The plaintiffs rely on the Anderson‑Burdick test, which balances the burden of a voting rule against the state’s interest. Their attorney, Aria Branch, highlighted that many students lack the documents—such as Social Security numbers, W‑2s, or utility bills—needed to obtain a government‑issued ID.

Judges’ Concerns About Timing

Judge Amy St. Eve, a Trump appointee, expressed confusion about the next steps, noting the appeal concerns a preliminary injunction and that the stay was issued for “Purcell reasons,” referencing the Supreme Court’s rule against changing election procedures close to an election.

Judge Thomas Kirsch II, also a Trump appointee, suggested the case could drag on for a year and a half, but emphasized the state’s interest in having clear rules well before the midterm elections. Judge Joshua Kolar, a Biden appointee, sat with the panel but did not comment on a timeline for a final decision.

What This Means for Voters

For now, Indiana voters cannot use a school ID to check in at the polls. Students and other young voters who lack a driver’s license, state ID, or passport must obtain an alternative form of government‑issued identification before casting a ballot.

The state has not set a specific deadline for obtaining an ID, but the midterm elections are approaching, so voters should act promptly. Resources for obtaining a state ID are typically available at local Department of Motor Vehicles offices.

When to Seek Legal Help

If you are a student or young voter who cannot secure a qualifying ID and fear you may be unable to vote, a consultation with an election‑law attorney can clarify your options and help you navigate the ID‑application process.

This article is general information based on Courthouse News Service and court or agency records available at publication time. It is not legal advice; laws and deadlines differ by state and by case. Published October 27, 2026.