INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Senate Democratic Caucus issued the following statement regarding the U.S. Department of Justice’s decision to send federal election observers to Marion and Lake counties on Election Day:
“Last year, politicians in Washington pressured Indiana lawmakers to redraw congressional maps to rig them in their political favor mid-decade. Hoosiers of all parties made their opposition clear, and a bipartisan majority of the Indiana Senate rejected that effort.
“Now, the Trump administration’s Department of Justice has selected Marion and Lake counties for federal election monitoring, without publicly explaining why. These are the same communities whose congressional representation was at the center of the redistricting battle. They are also home to significant Black and Latino populations.
“The timing and selection raise serious questions. Why were these two counties chosen out of Indiana’s 92, and what message does that send to the Hoosiers preparing to cast their ballots?
“We support free, fair and secure elections, the enforcement of election laws and efforts to prevent voter fraud. Election integrity also means protecting every single eligible voter’s right to participate without intimidation or interference. Federal election observers were historically deployed to protect the voting rights of communities that faced discrimination and disenfranchisement. Their purpose is to safeguard those rights, not to intimidate the very voters they were meant to protect.
“The Department of Justice owes Hoosiers a clear explanation of its selection criteria, the authority its observers will have and the safeguards in place to prevent interference with voters and local election officials. Those answers should come before Election Day.
“To every Hoosier preparing to vote: Your rights remain the same, with or without federal observers present. Know your rights, make your voice heard and report any attempts to interfere with your vote to the Hoosier Voter Hotline at 866-IN-1-VOTE (866-461-8683).
“Indiana’s elections belong to the people of Indiana, not politicians in Washington. Every eligible Hoosier deserves to cast a ballot freely, confidently and without fear. That is a fundamental right we will continue to defend.”
