While politicians and the Indiana Election Commission failed to act, we Hoosiers must plan for action this November at the ballot box.
According to the United States Voter Turnout Project, Indiana has among the lowest voter turnouts in the country. In 2018, 37 states had higher voter turnouts than Indiana.
While other states are automatically mailing absentee ballot applications to all registered voters, we have the ignominious distinction of being the home of the first strict voter ID law —a 21st century poll tax that adds very little value to the voting process.
Our unnecessarily onerous regulations around absentee voting — and inability to adapt to the challenges of COVID-19 has left Hoosier voters in a situation where they may have to risk health or potentially even their lives just to vote.
It is shameful that in the 21st century voters are still risking their lives to have the opportunity to participate in the democratic process.
We will continue to push the Indiana Election Commission to embrace no fault absentee voting by mail.
We have been here before, so we know what to do.
We must plan the act of voting to ensure that we are not disenfranchised by the failed leadership of politicians and appointed officials.
We strongly encourage everyone to vote early and to safely engage with family, friends and neighbors to develop a plan.
These are the different ways you can vote. Here is what you need to develop your plan to vote this election cycle:
- Check your registration, especially if you moved or changed your name recently by visiting this website: https://indianavoters.in.gov/
- There will be 188 election day vote center locations. Visit www.vote.indy.gov to find out where they are located.
- Early voting begins on Tuesday, Oct. 6 in the Marion County Clerk’s Office located at 200 E. Washington St. from 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
- The last day to vote early in-person is Monday, Nov. 2 in the Clerk’s Office only from 8 a.m. to noon.
- Satellite voting hours are weekdays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Satellite voting begins Saturday, Oct. 24 and ends Sunday, Nov. 1. There will be five satellite voting sites:
- Krannert Park Community Center, 605 S. High School Road
- Lawrence Township Education and Community Center, 6501 Sunnyside Road
- Perry Township Government Center, 4925 Shelby St.
- St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 100 W. 86th St.
- Warren Township Government Center, 501 N. Post Road
- Voters that plan to vote absentee by mail are encouraged to apply early and should apply online. Visit www.vote.indy.gov/absentee for more info on voting absentee and to apply online.
- Voters can hand deliver absentee ballots at any election board office, early voting location, or election day vote center (before noon on Election Day).
We will not fail to plan. We will not fail to act. This election is too important for us to allow the barriers others are placing in front of us to not vote.
We will plan together. We will act together. And we shall overcome.
Indianapolis Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
National Council of Negro Women, Inc. Indianapolis Section
Concerned Clergy of Indianapolis
Indianapolis Urban League
Exchange at the Indianapolis Urban League
Indianapolis Recorder
National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Indianapolis Chapter
Indy Black Chamber of Commerce
Indianapolis Recorder
Indiana Black Expo
100 Black Men of Indianapolis
Flanner House
Radio One
Black Men’s Group
Circle City (IN) Chapter of The Links, Incorporated
Baptist Ministers Alliance
Alpha Mu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Indianapolis Drifters Inc.
About the African American Coalition of Indianapolis: The African American Coalition of Indianapolis (AACI) is a non-partisan collaboration of African-American civic, social, professional, service and community organizations with a goal to educate and engage African Americans in the local, state and national political process.
