Early voting is open in Indiana. Wouldn’t it be nice to skip the election day crunch, to stop into the courthouse and cast your ballot? It’s part of a solid voting plan. Before you go, here’s what to know:
Bring your photo ID. Check on Vote411.org to make sure you are registered to vote. While many midterm elections see lower turnouts, this one may see higher turnout than usual. Many citizens are fueled by hot issues.
You are are allowed to bring children under the age of 18 when you vote, and you can bring your phone, though you cannot take a picture at the ballot box or use your phone for loud, disruptive conversations. You cannot wear a shirt that “electioneers” by supporting one candidate by name. If you have a felony conviction, you are still allowed to vote in Indiana. You may want to avoid straight ticket voting because you will not be voting in non-partisan races.
Have you ever been surprised by pop-up races, like whether to retain circuit court judges? This year, you will come “retain the judge” options for the Court of Appeals District 1 and 5, you may want to know that Indiana uses” a merit selection process to choose and retain its appellate judges. Once appointed, a judge is on the ballot, standing for retention, at the first statewide general election after the judge has served for two full years. If retained, the judge is on the retention ballot every 10 years. The retention system is designed to allow appellate judges to decide cases fairly and impartially without reference to political party. You should know that judges from the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Districts are voted upon only by the voters in their own districts. The judges representing the 4th and 5th Districts are voted upon by all the voters in the state. Judges may stand for retention to new 10-year terms thereafter, until the mandatory retirement age of 75.” Vote411.org refers you to https://www.in.gov/courts/retention/ for biographical information, video of arguments, and more about a judge’s written opinions, which are their decisions.
A couple of years back when a friend expressed dismay that she didn’t know how to learn more about candidates and found it hard to vote for many offices, she said she wished there was a voting guide, but not one telling how to vote, just educating her on the candidates. That’s why the League of Women Voters created the guide at Vote411.org.
First of all enter the url https://www.vote411.org/ballot and you will be invited to enter your address or location. You can choose between your races or your districts. Once you’ve previewed your districts, you can look at your races. This fall, it lists the fifteen or so races you will have on the ballot.
If you expand any race listed, the first resource will be a description of the position’s job responsibilities. For instance, Indiana has a senatorial race this midterm. On the ballot you’ll be able to choose between Thomas McDermott (D), James Sceniak (L), and Todd Young (R). Vote411.org first informs you what state senators can do. Then, click on a name and you’ll be able to preview information that each candidate provided to Vote411.org. (Note that the candidates have to cooperate and provide their information.) Some of the information includes contact information, the campaign website and social media links.
For senatorial candidates, you should be able read the candidate’s answers to questions such as:
- ● Identify a top domestic challenge in the United States. How would you address it?
- ●Do you agree or disagree that climate change is a threat to the financial and economic stability of the country? Explain your response.
- ●Would you support changes in the current regulations related to the possession of firearms? Explain your response.
- ●What reforms would you recommend for the improvement of the current immigration and refugee situation in the United States?
- ●Do you support national legislation to guarantee bodily autonomy for all including reproductive choices and the right to obtain an abortion? Explain your response.
Once you’ve read the candidates’ responses, you can progress through other races or click on “view my races” For Crawfordsville residents in Fall 2022, the fifteen races include: Indiana U.S. Senate, Indiana Secretary of State, Indiana State Treasurer, Indiana State Auditor, Indiana U.S. House District 4, County Assessor, County Auditor, County Council District 3, County Sheriff,County Treasurer, Prosecuting Attorney, Crawfordsville School Board (At Large), Circuit Court Judge, Indiana Court of Appeals District 1, and Indiana Court of Appeals District 5. In the latter two races, your choices are merely to retain the judge in that seat, not to choose among candidates.
While most candidates have responded and have relevant information posted, some have not. Unfortunately, Circuit Court Judge candidate Darren C. Chadd (R) is one of some local candidates yet to respond or have information posted. Others include prosecuting attorney, county treasurer, County Council District 3 candidate Lindsey Hamilton (D), though the Republican Steve Loy has responded. Others you will have to research elsewhere include county auditor, county assessor, Jim Baird (R) for Indiana US House District 4 has not responded. You can learn more about Roger D. Day (D), Baird’s competitor. State Treasurer candidate Jessica McClellan (D) has responded, but not Daniel Elliott (R). Diego Morales for Secretary of State has not posted, but candidates Destiny Scott Wells (D) and Jeffrey Maurer (L) have responded to help you understand who you’ll vote for.
So before you head on November 8th or earlier, check out Vote411.org to help yourself.