August 2020 Newsletter

Indiana is one of 7 states that require an excuse for absentee voting

Last week, the Indiana Election Commission voted down expanding absentee voting to all Hoosiers. Voting by mail remains an option ONLY for those voters who meet one of the following 12 qualifications:

• Expect to be absent from the county on election day. 
• Are confined to residence due to illness or injury.
• Are caring for an individual confined due to illness or injury.
• Have disabilities.
• Are at least 65 years of age.
• Have official election duties outside of their voting precinct.
• Are scheduled to work during the entire 12 hours that polls are open.
• Are unable to vote at polls in person due to a religious holiday.
• Have recently moved.
• Are a member of the military or a public safety officer.
• Are a "serious sex offender."
• Are prevented from voting due to the unavailability of transportation to polls.

With the latest controversy over expected delays in absentee ballot delivery, we urge our eligible voters to request their absentee ballots now. They need to complete this application form, and send it to their County Election Offices by mail (addresses on the 2nd page), fax, or email. The application to request a vote-by-mail ballot must be received not later than 11:59PM, on October 22, 2020. 

Eligible voters also have the option to complete the form online at Indiana Voters website. They need to log in to their “my voter portal page” by entering the requested information exactly as it appears on their voter registration record. When on the main landing page, the voter selects the “ABS-Mail” option and enters the information as prompted. After clicking “submit,” a confirmation screen appears that allows the voter to download and retain a copy for their records. There is no need to sign and return the online submission since the system applies the voter’s registration signature to the application on the back-end.

Important date: Before you request your absentee ballot, make sure you are registered to vote. Voter Registration deadline is October 5, 2020. You can register or check your registration status at indianavoters.in.gov. 

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Well-received Candidate Forums:

On August 6, we kicked off our candidate forum series with an event dedicated to Tippecanoe and Hendricks County voters. It featured Rep. Sheila Ann Klinker (the Democratic incumbent representing State House District 27), Joe Mackey (the Democratic candidate vying to represent Indiana's 4th Congressional District), and Stan Albaugh (the Democratic candidate vying to represent State Senate District 24).
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On August 13, we hosted U.S. Congressman Andre´ Carson (the Democratic incumbent representing Indiana's 7th Congressional District), Rep. Cherrish Pryor (the Democratic incumbent representing State House District 94), Senator John Ruckelshaus (the Republican incumbent representing State Senate District 30) and Dr. Fady Qaddoura (the Democratic candidate vying to represent State Senate District 30). Moderated by Judge David Shaheed, the forum gave Marion County voters the chance to ask the participants questions about an array of policy issues, including racial justice, education, and health care. 

Did you miss those events? You can watch them on our website or Facebook page.

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PAC News:

A team of volunteers are out with Dr. Fady Qaddoura in Senate District 30 every single day reaching out to voters. He continues to participate in community conversations and receive endorsements from various public officials and institutions. With 73 days until the November election, voters in Senate District 30 are ready for a new leadership. 

When elected, he will fight to protect our health, draw fair maps, support public education and teachers, reduce gun violence, support living wages, protect the climate, reform the criminal justice system, pass comprehensive hate crime legislation, and ensure that Indiana welcomes people from all walks of life. Dr. Qaddoura can champion these causes for us, but we need your help to do it! Your financial support will help his campaign accomplish its fundraising goal this month. Thank you!