The Fourth of July marks the beginning of a four-month timeline before the 2026 mid-term elections.
Indiana does not have a good record for voter turnout. About 2.9 million of Indiana’s 4.8 million registered voters cast a ballot in the 2024 general election according to the Indiana Secretary of State for a 61% turnout. Unfortunately, many people think their vote cannot make a difference, and they demonstrate that belief by not voting.
People who are concerned about the state of our democracy and are willing to work to support it have many ways to participate.
- Study the issues. There are many places to find the platforms of the political parties.
- Contact candidates about concerns. Candidates have websites that provide ways to ask specific questions, and they may be more likely to respond as they seek votes.
- Keep in mind that all elections are significant: local, state and national. Follow your local news sources for issues that affect you and your community.
- Talk about the issues with others. Seek common ground and understanding.
- Remember that you can vote for candidates from different parties. While Indiana’s straight ticket voting can make the process quick, the best candidates may belong to different political parties.
- If you find candidates that reflect your concerns, see how you can support them. Door knocking campaigns are effective, but calls and postcard campaigns are good options for those who have mobility or transportation challenges. Websites can provide information for those actions.
- Help people who don’t have state ids get them and get registered.
- Vote early in person if you have that option, but if voting absentee, request the ballots early and mail them as soon as possible.
- Provide transportation to voting sites for those who need it.
- Volunteer as a poll worker.
Several organizations support democracy. For a small donation, The League of Women Voters provides nonpartisan yard signs that just urge people to vote.
Reply by email (dhadley@franklincollege.edu) if you would like to see IFCL provide yard signs too, or if you have other suggestions for supporting democracy.
Until later,
Diana Hadley, IFCL Clerk
317-341-4360