By Sheryl Swingley—
MUNCIE, IN—Indiana is one of 16 states in the U.S. that restores voting rights to people who have been incarcerated or have felony convictions.
“People with criminal records in Indiana have their right to vote restored after serving their sentence and being released from jail or prison,” said Linda Hanson, president of the Indiana League of Women Voters and spokesperson for the Muncie-Delaware County League. “In addition, individuals on parole, probation and home detention as well as people who are in jail awaiting trial or in a community corrections program can vote.”
To register to vote go to VOTE411.org.
The deadline to register to vote is at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 5.
Other ways citizens may register to vote are by going to the voter registration office in their respective counties Monday through Friday. Hours are usually 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Delaware County’s Voter Registration Office is in the Delaware County Building, 100 W. Main St., Room 104. Finally, citizens may register at their local branch of the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
To be eligible to vote a resident must:
–Be a citizen of the United States.
–Have a valid government ID, which are Indiana driver’s license; Indiana state identification, which can be obtained at the Bureau of Motor Vehicles; or U.S. military ID
–Be at least 18 years old on the day of the next election. (which is Nov. 3)
–Have lived in a precinct for at least 30 days before the next election; this does not apply to military voters.
–Not currently be incarcerated after being convicted of a crime
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization working to protect and expand voting rights and ensure everyone is represented in the country’s democracy.
The League, since its founding in 1920, strives to empower voters and defend democracy through advocacy, education, and litigation at the local, state and national levels.
In addition, the League never supports or opposes political parties or candidates. Instead, it takes positions on issues that affect voters. Positions might align with a party or a candidate at times but diverge at other times. The League’s focus is always on policies and measures that serve the public interest – not party affiliation.
The League of Women Voters Education Fund and local leagues work to register and inform voters through the election resources of VOTE411.org , and candidate forums.
People of all different governing beliefs are eligible to join local chapters of the League of Women Voters. No invitation is needed. To join the Muncie-Delaware County League, go to https://www.lwvmunciedelaware.org/.
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