Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales has issued warning letters to federal agencies and departments operating in the state, informing them that engaging in voter registration and other election activities without state authorization is not permitted. This action comes in response to President Biden’s Executive Order directing federal agencies to promote voter access, which could potentially contradict state laws and Congressional authorization.
According to state and federal laws, government agencies must be specifically designated as “voter registration agencies” in order to offer voter registration services and absentee voting assistance. Morales emphasized the importance of complying with these laws to protect the integrity of elections.
Morales recently testified before the U.S. House Committee on Small Business, highlighting that voter registration drives organized by the Small Business Administration were not authorized by Congress and would divert the agency from its primary mission of assisting small businesses.
In his letter, Morales directed federal agencies engaging in election activities to stop immediately and reach out to his office for further guidance. He also expressed his enthusiasm for increasing voter registration and turnout in Indiana and highlighted the efforts his administration has made to engage voters across the state.
Morales is open to coordinating with federal agencies to promote voter access, as long as they comply with federal and state laws. The upcoming November election is expected to bring heightened voter outreach efforts in Indiana.
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