Legislation at the Indiana Statehouse is aiming to change the state’s open primary system and shorten the early voting period. Senate Bill 201, proposed by Republican State Senator Mike Gaskill, would require voters to declare a party affiliation before participating in the primary election. Gaskill believes this change is necessary to ensure the integrity of the nomination process and prevent non-party members from influencing party selections. Critics, however, are concerned about the impact on independent voters.
Another piece of legislation, Senate Bill 284, could reduce early voting in Indiana from 28 days to 14. Supporters argue that most early voting occurs in the two weeks leading up to an election and that smaller counties struggle to fund a full 28-day early voting period. Election advocates like Jay Hart believe that reducing the number of days could lead to better voter turnout and increase confidence in the election process.
Opponents, such as Cecelia Poynter from Mutuality Assured Democracy, argue that cutting early voting days could disenfranchise voters and further lower Indiana’s already low voter turnout. Poynter emphasizes the importance of accessible and easy voting for Hoosiers. Both Senate Bill 201 and Senate Bill 284 have passed out of committee and are now heading to the full Senate for a vote. The debate continues on whether these changes will improve the election process or hinder voter participation in Indiana.
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