Hoosier State Today

INDIANA—Yesterday, a diverse coalition of nonpartisan organizations sent a letter to Secretary of State Diego Morales outlining their concerns over reported plans to encourage more law enforcement presence at the polls to combat election interference. The letter cited the unintended consequences of police officers stationed at polling sites.

“Election Day should be a day of celebration for our community and our freedom to vote,” said Julia Vaughn, Common Cause Indiana Executive Director. “But unfortunately, our state’s history makes the mere presence of police and guns unsettling for many voters. We look forward to sitting down with Secretary Morales and finding a path forward that ensures Election Day is safe and welcoming for all Hoosiers.”

The organizations wrote, “Efforts to secure our elections must take into account the history of police officers targeting and intimidating voters of color at polls, especially given that some communities continue to experience problems of racial profiling and over-policing.”

The letter was signed by 12 organizations that represent tens of thousands of Hoosier voters:

ACLU-Indiana

Chicago Lawyer’s Committee on Civil Rights Under Law

Citizens Action Coalition of Indiana

Common Cause Indiana

Concerned Clergy Indianapolis

Indiana Friends Committee on Legislation

Indiana Vote by Mail

League of Conservation Voters Indiana

League of Women Voters of Indiana

MadVoters Indiana

Stand Up Indiana

Women 4 Change Indiana

To read the letter, click here.