Voting Rights
Indiana ranks 50th for voter turnout because of some of the nation's most restricting voting laws.
Indiana’s voting laws are among the most restrictive in the country. The result? According to the most recent Indiana Civic Health Index, in 2022, Indiana ranked 50th for voter turnout among all states and the District of Columbia, only West Virginia had lower turnout. Partisan gerrymandering is a big factor in our turnout problems, in too many parts of the state both state and Congressional districts have been drawn to heavily favor one party over the other.
But gerrymandering isn’t the only reason for our horrible turnout statistics. Indiana’s election laws are full of bureaucratic hurdles that can and do disenfranchise voters. Early deadlines and restrictive ID requirements have particular impact on infrequent or vulnerable voters, like the elderly, voters with disabilities and students.
Common Cause Indiana supports the following election and voting reform policies.
Election day voter registration
Automatic voter registration for 18-year-old residents
Extending polling place hours from 6 – 6 to 6 – 8 p.m.
No excuse absentee vote by mail
Permanent absentee vote by mail application
Citizens redistricting commission for state and Congressional redistricting
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