As our state senate moves to
enshrine bigotry in our constitution and to end civil unions and domestic partner rights, our Senate Republicans are moving to strip Indiana voters of their rights by actually moving in the opposite direction of election reform.
First, the Republicans passed
"legislation" curtailing absentee voting. Previously, Hoosiers did not need to cite a reason for voting absentee. Now, they must give a reason (and can be prosecuted if the reason is false). Follow the link above to see how else the bill restricts voting rights.
Then, as if that were not enough, the Republicans are moving to end all Democratic input into the Elections Committee with this
bill. Republican Senator Young says, "This is not a power grab." Translation: This is a power grab. Senator Vi Simpson released a press release
here.
The tactics of the Republicans here in Indiana and across the U.S. are clear: WEAKEN DEMOCRACY. At every chance they get, they undermine voting (and civil!) rights. Wherever they seize power, the Republicans work as quickly as possible to dismantle democratic reforms. Referring to Indiana's Elections Committee, Sen. Robert Garton, R-Columbus said, "It's a dysfunctional agency. It's just not working." Translation: We aren't getting our way.
Republicans want pure, unopposed, undemocratic power. REPUBLICANS WEAKEN DEMOCRACY.