Voting Rights Groups Raise Concerns Over Police at the Polls

12 organizations wrote Secretary of State after media reports

INDIANA—Yesterday, a diverse coalition of nonpartisan organizations sent a letter to Secretary of State Diego Morales outlining their concerns over reported plans to encourage more law enforcement presence at the polls to combat election interference. The letter cited the unintended consequences of police officers stationed at polling sites.  

“Election Day should be a day of celebration for our community and our freedom to vote,” said Julia Vaughn, Common Cause Indiana Executive Director. “But unfortunately, our state’s history makes the mere presence of police and guns unsettling for many voters. We look forward to sitting down with Secretary Morales and finding a path forward that ensures Election Day is safe and welcoming for all Hoosiers.”  

The organizations wrote, “Efforts to secure our elections must take into account the history of police officers targeting and intimidating voters of color at polls, especially given that some communities continue to experience problems of racial profiling and over-policing.” 

The letter was signed by 12 organizations that represent tens of thousands of Hoosier voters: 

• ACLU-Indiana 
• Chicago Lawyer’s Committee on Civil Rights Under Law 
• Citizens Action Coalition of Indiana 
• Common Cause Indiana 
• Concerned Clergy Indianapolis 
• Indiana Friends Committee on Legislation 
• Indiana Vote by Mail 
• League of Conservation Voters Indiana 
• League of Women Voters of Indiana 
• MadVoters Indiana 
• Stand Up Indiana
• Women 4 Change Indiana 

To read the letter, click here.