INDIANAPOLIS — Governor Mike Braun’s decision to call a special session of the Indiana General Assembly to redraw congressional maps midway through the decade has drawn sharp criticism from State Senator Rodney Pol Jr. (D-Chesterton). Pol rebuked the move by Statehouse Republicans and urged full transparency and public participation throughout the redistricting process.
“To say that I am disappointed would be an understatement,” said Pol. “This is nothing short of an attempt by those in power to silence voters, eliminate opposition and cement partisan control. It undermines the very foundation of democracy.”
Pol emphasized that the state’s current maps were drawn and approved following the 2020 Census and are not due for revision until after the 2030 count.
“As a state senator, I swore an oath to uphold the Constitution,” Pol said. “Every member of this General Assembly did. Watching that oath ignored for political advantage should alarm every Hoosier.”
Pol warned that redrawing maps five years early for political gain would set a dangerous precedent and erode public trust in government.
“Drawing new maps five years early just to flip two seats that were fairly representative of their districts is wrong,” Pol said. “Hoosiers deserve fair representation, not backroom deals designed to protect political power.”
Pol called for public hearings and to ensure that any redrawing process is open, accountable and reflective of the will of Indiana voters.
“Democracy belongs to the people,” Pol said. “If we allow politicians to keep changing the rules to benefit themselves, we lose the very essence of self-government.”
