Indiana lawmakers consider changes to state’s voting laws

LOUISVLLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Indiana lawmakers are considering multiple changes to the state's voting laws. Supporters argue the proposals will enhance election security, while opponents warn it could restrict voter access.

Among the proposed changes are reducing the early voting period, making school board elections partisan and removing college IDs as an acceptable form of voter identification.

Senate Bill 284 would reduce Indiana's early voting period from 28 days to 14 days, ending at noon the day before Election Day. Steve Burks, chair of the Floyd County Republican Party, supports a 14-day early voting period. Burks added seven days would be sufficient, pointing to Kentucky's three day early voting period.

"I tell people you have a constitutional duty to vote, and if you don't vote, you've given up your right to complain, in my opinion," Burks said. "If you can't get somewhere in 14 days, then ... are you really motivated? ... I don't say that disparaging anybody. I'm just saying life's busy, but, surely, within that amount of time, you can get to some place to vote."

However, Adam Dickey, chair of the Floyd County Democratic Party, said reducing the early voting window would create longer wait times at the polls. Dickey said a quarter of Floyd County voters cast their ballot in the first two weeks of the 28-day early voting window.

"The impact is going to mean that, in the two weeks that would remain, we're going to have longer lines at vote centers," Dickey said. "We're going to have longer lines on Election Day."

Partisan School Board Elections

Senate Bill 287 would require candidates in school board races to declare a party affiliation, changing the way school board elections are conducted statewide. Currently, school board races in Indiana are nonpartisan.

Dickey opposes the change, arguing school board elections should remain focused on student needs rather than party politics.

"Imposing a partisan process on that diminishes the focus on what we're trying to build for our students," he said. "We as citizens can make determinations about which candidates for those school board positions are the best for us, and, by imposing a partisan process on that, it diminishes the focus on what we're trying to build for our students."

Burks believes voters should know where candidates stand politically.

"In most communities, people know," Burks said. "I think what party you stand with is the principles that drive your decisions. Knowing what that is helps people make a better decision."

College ID Restrictions

Senate Bill 10 would remove college IDs as a valid form of voter identification. The bill specifies that proof of identification must be issued by the federal government or the state of Indiana, explicitly excluding documents issued by educational institutions.

Supporters argue this change prevents non-residents from influencing Indiana elections.

"I'm not against college kids voting," Burks said. "I just think they need to vote in the state they're from."

Dickey questioned the intent behind the proposal.

"I think you have to question what's the intent?" he said. "Are we trying to make it harder for college students to vote? These are the people just coming to age that we want to see vote."

Indiana's legislative session is set to conclude April 29.

Top Stories:

Indiana lawmakers consider changes to state’s voting laws