April 30, 2020

Vote-By-Mail Group Sues State To Force Vote By Mail In November

Original story from   IPBS-RJC

Article origination IPBS-RJC
Indiana Vote By Mail and 12 Hoosiers filed a federal lawsuit against Secretary of State Connie Lawson and the Indiana Election Commission.  - Lauren Chapman/IPB News

Indiana Vote By Mail and 12 Hoosiers filed a federal lawsuit against Secretary of State Connie Lawson and the Indiana Election Commission.

Lauren Chapman/IPB News

A group dedicated to pursuing vote-by-mail for every Hoosier in every election is suing the state to help make that a reality this fall.

The nonprofit and 12 Hoosiers filed a federal lawsuit this week against Secretary of State Connie Lawson and the Indiana Election Commission.

The aptly-named Indiana Vote By Mail brought the suit to force the state to allow absentee vote-by-mail for all voters in the November general election.

READ MORE: The Voter Registration Deadline Is May 4. Here’s What You Need To Vote In Indiana

That option was already made possible for the June 2 primary election, due to COVID-19 concerns.

Generally, voters are only normally allowed to cast absentee mail-in ballots if they are unable vote in-person at all on Election Day – for instance, if they'll be out of state.

The voter advocacy non-profit says without expanded vote-by-mail this fall, some Hoosiers will have to choose between risking their health by voting in person, or not voting at all.

The Secretary of State’s office declined to comment.

READ MORE: Can I Go For A Walk? Here's What The Updated 'Stay-At-Home' Order Really Does

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Contact Brandon at bsmith@ipbs.org or follow him on Twitter at @brandonjsmith5.

This is a rapidly evolving story, and we are working hard to bring you the most up-to-date information. However, we recommend checking the websites of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or the Indiana State Department of Health for the most recent numbers of COVID-19 cases.

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