INDIANAPOLIS – Today is Election Day in Indiana, but after low voter turnout in the May primary and the lack of marquee races or significant issues on this year’s ballot, some election observers are not expecting Hoosiers to be flocking to the polls today.
Amy Miller, president of the League of Women Voters of Indiana, says voting still matters a great deal despite whatever races may be on the ballot. While 2014 may be remembered as a “quiet election” for Indiana, she says citizens need to get out and exercise their right to vote because “it’s the bedrock of democracy.”
“Voting is twice a year, it’s on a regular basis,” says Miller. “I just wish for one or two days a year voting would take a priority, in terms of doing something our forefathers and mothers fought for decades for us to have.”
Statewide, voters do have some important races to decide, including secretary of state, state auditor, and state treasurer. All nine of Indiana’s congressional seats are on the ballot, with 15 races for state representative.
Miller encourages voters to take some time to review candidates, their qualifications and positions. She adds that one exciting aspect of this election is the number of women on local ballots, and four of the six major party candidates for statewide office are also women.
“For younger women, we hope they realize, ‘Wow that’s something I can think about now. Me, as a woman, running for an office – even statewide – is a possibility,’ because that’s an example we’re having now,” says Miller.
Polls are open until 6 p.m. today. To cast a ballot Indiana voters will need a valid I.D. card, which Miller says can include an Indiana driver’s license, a photo I.D. card, a military or veteran’s I.D., or a U.S. passport.
“To conform it has to have an expiration date,” she says. “We’re glad to see some Indiana college I.D.s are conforming to that usage.”
The Indiana DMV has extended hours until 6 p.m. for those who still need to get an I.D. card to vote.
Mary Kuhlman
