State of Indiana Archives: on Government Reform
Andrew Straw:
Expand voting rights for disabled people
Q: Do you agree or disagree with the statement, "Make voter registration easier"?A: Strongly support. Gathering signatures for ballot access should also be much easier to help disabled candidates and voters. Examples include getting permission to
sign for a voter over the phone, by email, or using social media such as Facebook or LinkedIn. Disabled people need accommodations to participate and they should usually get whatever accommodation makes their participation easier.
Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Indiana Senate candidate
Feb 28, 2018
Andrew Straw:
Suing government for ballot access for disabled people
Q: You're suing the federal government for ballot access under the ADA, the Americans with Disabilities Act?A: Yes, Indiana has defaulted in my federal lawsuit, Straw v. Indiana.
Q: Your issue is about the number of signatures for third parties to
get on the ballot?
A: Disabled people in Indiana who wish to run under Disability Party would have to collect over 26,000 signatures due to Indiana's Election Law. My federal lawsuit is designed to get me on the ballot in Indiana for Secretary of
State because that position is special. Any small party that gets 2% of the vote for that office thereafter does not need to collect signatures for most races in Indiana. Federal judges have been very conservative and even hostile to disability rights
under the ADA. If Congress is dedicated to disability rights, it must oppose any judge who attacks those rights or attacks the people who assert them. I would make it illegal for any judge to attack a disabled lawyer or call their ADA work frivolous.
Source: OnTheIssues follow-up with 2018 Indiana Senate candidate
Mar 2, 2018
Brian Bosma:
No limits on PAC contributions; but full disclosure
Q: Do you support limits on the following types of contributions for state candidates...Q: Individual?
A: No.
Q: Political Action Committee?
A: No.
Q: Corporate?
A: Yes.
Q: Political Party?
A: No.
Q: Should candidates for state office be encouraged to meet voluntary spending limits?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you support requiring full and timely disclosure of campaign finance information?
A: Yes.
Source: Indiana Gubernatorial 2012 PVS Political Courage Test
Nov 1, 2012
Brian Bosma:
Require a photo ID in order to vote
Q: Do you support the use of an independent and/or bipartisan commission for redistricting?A: Yes.
Q: Do you support requiring a government-issued photo identification in order to vote at the polls?
A: Yes.
Source: Indiana Gubernatorial 2012 PVS Political Courage Test
Nov 1, 2012
Eric Holcomb:
Budgeted for election security: covers about 10% of machines
Governor Eric Holcomb's newly unveiled budget proposed $10 million for election security in the state. It is believed that a majority of the funds would go toward upgrading the existing touch screen voting devices with a new,
voter-verifiable ballot component. However, those funds may only be able to upgrade roughly 10 percent of the machines in the state.
Source: NCSL.org on 2020 Indiana gubernatorial race
Apr 26, 2019
John Gregg:
Longer voting hours; make registration & mail voting easier
In 2014, Indiana was dead last in the nation in voter turnout. Only 28% of registered voters actually cast ballots. This low rate of civic engagement should concern every Hoosier, no matter your political party or philosophy, because it puts the future
of our democracy in jeopardy.In Indiana, partisan politics has made it harder and harder for Hoosiers to participate in our own government. We have some of the shortest voting hours in the country; there are cumbersome requirements to register and to
vote; and voting by mail requires a signed affidavit. On top of all that, the General Assembly continues to pass laws to make voting even more difficult every year.
I'm running for Governor because I believe Indiana is stronger and better when every
Hoosier has a seat at the table and is called upon to participate. We all have a stake in Indiana's future. To set the best course possible, we need everyone's input. Mmy `Voter Participation Plan` will increase voter participation to 75% by 2020.
Source: 2016 Indiana campaign website, GreggForGovernor.com
Sep 9, 2015
John Gregg:
Voter Participation Plan: expand ID rules & early voting
Through my `Voter Participation Plan` I will work to enact common sense reforms that will allow and encourage more Hoosiers to vote, with the goal of increasing voter participation in Indiana to 75% by 2020 [from 28% in 2014]. Those reforms include:
- Getting to a polling location between the hours of 6 AM and 6 PM is impossible for many. I propose expanding the hours in which polling places are required to remain open until 9 PM.
- Automatic Voter Registration: I propose that Indiana
automatically registers all eligible US citizens who have an Indiana driver's license or have utilized services offered by state government, unless they choose to opt out.
- I propose we [allow using] any identification issued by local, state or the
federal government or an Indiana college or university, even if they do not contain an expiration date.
- Expand Early Voting. Hoosiers should also be able to register the same day as they early vote.
- Expand Opportunities to Vote by Mail
Source: 2016 Indiana campaign website, GreggForGovernor.com
Sep 9, 2015
Mark Hurt:
Stop the nefarious practice of omnibus legislation
Hurt believes we must stop the nefarious practice movement of omnibus legislation where Congressional leaders move bills in the last hours of a session, without formal hearings, with legislation not read or understood by those members voting on
the proposed laws.Hurt supports institutional reforms requiring hearings and transparency for the American public who desire to be involved in the public policy process.
Source: 2018 Indiana Senate race website, MarkHurt.org
Mar 3, 2017
Michael Folk:
Send absentee voter applications to all registered voters
I support the Indiana Election Commission's decision to move our primary election to June 2 and to permit every Hoosier to request an absentee ballot to vote by mail--no excuse needed. While I support removing the requirement that a voter needs a
state-defined excuse to request a ballot by mail, another barrier to voting remains. Indiana should further remove the step that requires Hoosiers to print applications for a ballot by proactively mailing these applications to all registered voters.
Source: Chicago Crusader on 2020 Indiana Governor race
Feb 20, 2020
Mike Braun:
Replace the swamp with citizen legislators and term limits
Washington is full of politicians who talk a slick game, but comes up empty when it comes to getting real results. These politicians have done nothing to increase the prosperity and safety of our families and instead rigged the system to benefit the
politically connected. To make Washington work again, the swamp must be drained. Career politicians from both parties need to be replaced with citizen legislators with real world experience. And we must pass term limits for politicians now.
Source: 2018 Indiana Senate campaign website MikeBraunForIndiana.com
May 3, 2018
Mitch Daniels:
No limits on individual nor PAC campaign contributions
Q: Do you support limiting the following types of contributions to gubernatorial candidates: Individual?A: No.
Q: PAC
A: No.
Q: Corporate
A: No.
Q: Political Parties
A: No.
Q: Do you support requiring full and timely disclosure of
campaign finance information?
A: Yes.
Q: Do you support imposing spending limits on state-level political campaigns?
A: No.
Q: Should Indiana participate in the federal REAL ID program?
A: Yes.
Source: Indiana Gubernatorial Election 2008 Political Courage Test
Nov 1, 2008
Pete Buttigieg:
Citizens United was a disaster for our democracy
Buttigieg says the Citizens United Supreme Court case that opened the doors for corporations, nonprofits and unions to contribute to campaigns should be overturned.He says dollars have begun to out weigh people. He personally has returned money from
Washington lobbyists and has sworn off taking money from the fossil fuel industry or certain political action committees. "Citizens United was a disaster for our democracy," he told CSPAN2.
Source: Indianapolis Star on 2020 presidential hopefuls
May 6, 2019
Richard Mourdock:
Eliminate cabinet departments DOE, ED, DOC, and HUD
Asked what could be done to cut the $15 trillion federal debt, Lugar, 80, urged the passage of the "remarkable" House budget plan and the extension of Bush-era tax cuts.
Mourdock, 60, called for the elimination of the Energy, Education, Commerce and Housing and Urban Development departments.
Source: Fort Wayne Journal Gazette on 2012 Indiana Senate debate
Apr 12, 2012
Thomas McDermott:
Eliminate regulations that impede growth and prosperity
As mayor, I worked to increase the number of small businesses in Hammond while reducing burdens that hamper growth. We worked to create opportunities for entrepreneurs to thrive and create jobs.
In the US Senate, I'll work to ensure that small businesses and the creative economy have the tools they need to succeed. This includes access to capital and eliminating regulations that impede growth and prosperity.
Source: 2022 Indiana Senate campaign website GoMcDermott.com
May 8, 2022
Thomas McDermott:
We need to protect the rights of every American to vote
We need to protect the rights of every American to vote. I support the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act to restore and strengthen parts of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. This would restore the requirement that certain states pre-clear certain
changes to their voting laws with the federal government to prevent partisan power-grabs and the denial of American citizens right to vote. I strongly favor campaign finance and election reform.
Source: 2022 Indiana Senate campaign website GoMcDermott.com
May 8, 2022
Todd Rokita:
Voter ID laws increase turnout and never black voters
Rokita hit back at Obama administration assertions that GOP-backed voter identification laws are designed to "make it harder for eligible Americans to cast a vote."Rokita, formerly in charge of overseeing election laws, responded to remarks made on
Aug. 6 by the White House Press Secretary about the upcoming reauthorization of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, saying "there are documented instances where Republicans make it harder for eligible Americans to cast a vote--including those who may not have
driver's licenses."
Rokita responded: "There is no case of outright denial of voting." He noted that voters who show up at the polls without ID are given provisional ballots and then have seven days to produce ID to make their vote count.
As to the argument that voter ID laws make it harder to vote, Rokita noted, "In 2004, before we had our voter ID law, the average turnout in the primaries was 21% of eligible voters. After the law took effect [in 2006], the average turnout was 31%."
Source: Newsmax.com on 2018 Indiana Senatorial race
Aug 12, 2015
Todd Young:
Claims "voting has never been easier than it is right now"
The For The People Act is in the hands of the Senate. "This legislation takes a system that is actually working quite well and applies drastic and draconian and desperate elections reforms meant to keep Democrats in power,"
Young said on the Senate floor. "In the history of our country, voting has never been easier than it is right now."
Source: WMNC 95.3 FM on 2022 Indiana Senate race
Jun 20, 2021
Trey Hollingsworth:
Politicians should learn to earn money outside of government
Here's what I believe:- I believe there is a big difference between people in the private sector earning a living and politicians living off our earnings. In my opinion, you shouldn't ask for the right to spend our tax dollars until you have
had to honestly earn them from outside government.
- I believe in shrinking government and oppose legislating so-called "solutions." We need to free American innovators and families from the tentacles of a bloated government.
Source: 2016 Indiana House campaign website VoteForTrey.com
Nov 8, 2016
Trey Hollingsworth:
I believe in term limits
Here's what I believe:- I believe in term limits. Public service should not be a career path. I promise you that I will serve no more than eight years as your Representative.
- I believe in shrinking government and oppose legislating
so-called "solutions." We need to free American innovators and families from the tentacles of a bloated government.
Source: 2016 Indiana House campaign website VoteForTrey.com
Nov 8, 2016
Woody Myers:
Wants statewide vote-by-mail
Q: Support efforts to make it easier to vote including promoting voting by mail?Woody Myers: Yes. "Make it as easy as possible to vote in a variety of circumstances, as long as there is a paper trail." Wants statewide vote-by-mail.
Eric Holcomb: No. Sees in-person voting as safe. Encourages people to vote early.
Source: CampusElect survey on 2020 Indiana Gubernatorial race
Nov 3, 2020
Jim Banks:
Fought unconstitutional efforts to federalize our elections
Ensuring election integrity has been a top priority for Jim with the clear goal of making it easy to vote and harder to cheat. Jim has fought back against Democrats' unconstitutional efforts to federalize our elections, and introduced the
Save Democracy Act, which would ensure free and fair elections in 2024 and beyond through common-sense, conservative reforms like voter ID, fair poll watching, and swift counting of ballots.
Source: 2024 Indiana Senate campaign website BanksForSenate.com
Apr 10, 2023
Marc Carmichael:
Committed to confirming fair and impartial federal judges
Is committed to confirming fair and impartial federal judges, not like the partisan appointees that have been foisted on us by Mitch McConnell, the Republican Party.
We deserve judges who don't lie to get confirmed or accept generous gifts and travel from wealthy patrons.
Source: 2024 Indiana Senate campaign website MarcForIndiana.com
Sep 11, 2023
Mike Braun:
Mike fought against the federal takeover of elections
The right of Americans to cast their vote in fair and secure elections is essential to the survival of our Republic. Hoosiers must trust that our elections are free from fraud and guarantee that every legal vote is counted accurately.
As Senator, Mike fought against the federal takeover of elections and as Governor he will stand up to preserve and protect our electoral system from radical liberals in Washington, DC.
Source: 2024 Indiana Governor campaign website MikeBraunForIndiana
Oct 24, 2023
Suzanne Crouch:
Goal of growing Indiana's economy through fewer regulations
Crouch's messaging has led with her goal of growing Indiana's economy through fewer regulations, but Crouch has also spoken on more hot-button social issues since announcing her candidacy in December.
She's consistently bashed the Biden Administration's border security policies on social media and said she wants to fight left-wing ideologies coming into Indiana.
Source: WVPE News on 2024 Indiana Gubernatorial race
Jul 26, 2023
Suzanne Crouch:
Biden border policy masquerades Democrat voter drive
The U.S.-Mexico border: "President Biden and his Democrat puppets don't care if our Southern border is secure," Crouch tweeted recently.
She said Biden's border policy is a "Democrat voter registration drive masquerading as an immigration policy."
Source: Franklin Daily Journal on 2024 Indiana Gubernatorial race
Jun 12, 2023
Curtis Hill:
As A.G., fought burdensome federal overreach
In 2016, Curtis ran for attorney general of Indiana on a platform of supporting law and order and fighting burdensome overreach by the federal government.
In 2016, Curtis received the most statewide votes of any candidate in Indiana history, including President Donald Trump.
Source: 2024 Indiana Gubernatorial campaign website CurtisHill.com
Dec 19, 2023
Curtis Hill:
Set new precedents of transparency and accountability
As attorney general and Elkhart County prosecutor, Curtis set new precedents of transparency, efficiency, and accountability. He will do the same as governor.
Curtis understands that to govern effectively, the government must operate for, of, and by the people through open channels of communication and understanding.
Source: 2024 Indiana Gubernatorial campaign website CurtisHill.com
Dec 19, 2023
Curtis Hill:
Joined suit challenging counting Penn. absentee ballots
Hill thrust Indiana into the legal battle over the 2020 election by joining 16 other states in requesting that the Supreme Court halt Pennsylvania from counting absentee ballots received after Nov. 3. Hill and attorneys general from Oklahoma,
West Virginia, Kansas, Nebraska and Tennessee authored a legal brief saying that the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania's decision to extend the receipt deadline for mail-in ballots shouldn't stand because only state lawmakers can make that decision.
Source: Indianapolis Star on 2024 Indiana Gubernatorial race
Nov 11, 2020
Jennifer McCormick:
We will govern with the highest standards of transparency
We commit to making responsible appointments and staffing decisions with individuals who hold the expertise and passion for the specific work. I will only bring forth those who put Hoosiers before political or personal gain.
We will govern, including working with the Office of Inspector General, with the highest standards of transparency and accountability to inspire Hoosier confidence in their government.
Source: 2024 Indiana Governor campaign website McCormickForGov.com
Jun 10, 2024
Jennifer McCormick:
Expand opportunities for voter registration
- We will empower and embrace the voice of the people. I will work tirelessly to expand opportunities for voter registration and increased voter access to the polls.
- We will also lead the charge to introduce citizen-led ballot initiatives as
another way for Hoosier voices to be heard.
- We will fight against gerrymandering by developing a nonpartisan redistricting commission.
Source: 2024 Indiana Governor campaign website McCormickForGov.com
Jun 10, 2024
Mike Braun:
Finance lower taxes by running more efficient government
Q: How would you ease the financial pressure on Main Street businesses?A: When you look at a state like ours, that, at least over several years, has gotten used to a decent cash flow, you can always talk about revenues. Number 1, you need to be
starting up not to spend more than you take in and do a pretty good job at that. Property taxes, I agree: We had a system that went out of whack because it was following, it had a system that couldn't respond to inflation like we've never seen before.
But the way you finance any lower taxes would be to make our government run more efficiently. If you get our 30 agencies running better--and believe me there's room for improvement--you can finance lower taxes in
any one of the categories, but you got to do that first. Otherwise, you’re just saying it with no way to do it.
Source: NFIB on 2024 Indiana Gubernatorial race
Jul 19, 2023
Marc Carmichael:
Let voters decide term limits by voting them out
Q: What are your thoughts on term limits?A: All terms have limits of 2, 4, or 6 years. Let the voters decide, that's their job. If they are doing a lousy job then term limits aren't going to change anything. If there must be limits make it 18 years
and out, no running for the other chamber.
Q: What do you think of the filibuster?
A: It does more harm than good. It needs to be limited in time and with each use on the same topic the number to invoke cloture should drop by 5.
Source: Candidate Connection on 2024 Indiana Senate race
Nov 1, 2023
Valerie McCray:
Reverse Citizens United; represent people, not corporations
Reversing Citizens United: we need to get dark money out of politics so our politicians can be free to represent people and not corporations. Once we get dark money out of politics we can address so many other issues. Tax reform, so that taxation is
redirected to support the needs of all of the people of this country and not just the 1%. Other issues related are campaign finance reform, sensible gun legislation, public-interests that have been privatized such as health care and public education.
Source: Candidate Connection on 2024 Indiana Senate race
Aug 8, 2024
Eric Doden:
Work within system instead of new citizens' ballot question
Q: Should citizens have a right to collect signatures to put questions on the ballot without legislative approval?
A: Right now, I probably don't have a strong opinion on that. I look at our system and I just work within the system.
Source: Indianapolis Star on 2024 Indiana Gubernatorial race
Jan 10, 2024
Eric Doden:
People want accountability & transparency with elections
Q: Do you believe the 2020 election was stolen from Donald Trump?A: No, I do not. But I also think people should be able to ask questions, and I think people want accountability. They want transparency.
From my point of view, some of the questions and some of the conversations that have happened are conversations that in democracy need to happen.
Source: Indianapolis Star on 2024 Indiana Gubernatorial race
Jan 10, 2024
Jennifer McCormick:
Develop a nonpartisan redistricting commission
Democracy and voting: McCormick wants to enable citizen-led ballot initiatives in Indiana, develop a nonpartisan redistricting commission
(rather than the current partisan process), and introduce 16- and 17-year-olds to voter registration through "pre-registration" programs.
Source: Indianapolis Star on 2024 Indiana Gubernatorial race
Sep 17, 2024
Suzanne Crouch:
Let Assembly decide on citizen ballot questions
Q: Should citizens have a right to collect signatures to put questions on the ballot without legislative approval?
A: Well, it would require a constitutional change and that would be up to the General Assembly. So I trust the General Assembly to make the right decision in that.
Source: Indianapolis Star on 2024 Indiana Gubernatorial race
Jan 10, 2024
Mike Braun:
Cut at least a quarter of government regulations
One thing I learned building a business for 37 years--you can always run more efficiently. My vision is a streamlined, accountable, responsible government that keeps more money in your pocket and empowers the private sector to innovate and grow.
I've already taken action to make our government more efficient and accountable to the people. I directed my agency leaders to find big cuts in their departments, and signed a directive to cut at least a quarter of government regulations.
Source: 2025 State of the State Address to the Indiana legislature
Jan 29, 2025
Brian Bosma:
Require photo ID in order to vote in elections
SB483: Requires a precinct election officer to ask a voter to provide proof of identification before the voter is permitted to vote. Provides that a proof of identification is a document issued by the United States or the state of Indiana that shows:
(1) the name of the individual to whom the document was issued; and (2) a photograph of that individual.ACLU summary September 25, 2007: A federal court of appeals in Chicago upheld Indiana's voter ID law by minimizing the
right of every individual to vote without being subject to undue burdens imposed by the state. There is no evidence in this case that Indiana's voter ID law is justified by any actual voting fraud problem.
Legislative Outcome:
Passed Senate 31-17-2 on Feb/28/05; passed House 52-45-3 on Mar/21/05; State Rep. Brian Bosma voted YES; Signed by Governor Mitch Daniels on Apr/28/05
Source: ACLU on Indiana voting record SB483
Feb 28, 2005
Marlin Stutzman:
Require photo ID in order to vote in elections
SB483: Requires a precinct election officer to ask a voter to provide proof of identification before the voter is permitted to vote. Provides that a proof of identification is a document issued by the United States or the state of Indiana that shows:
(1) the name of the individual to whom the document was issued; and (2) a photograph of that individual.ACLU summary September 25, 2007: A federal court of appeals in Chicago upheld Indiana's voter ID law by minimizing the
right of every individual to vote without being subject to undue burdens imposed by the state. There is no evidence in this case that Indiana's voter ID law is justified by any actual voting fraud problem.
Legislative Outcome:
Passed Senate 31-17-2 on Feb/28/05; passed House 52-45-3 on Mar/21/05; state Rep. Marlin Stutzman voted YES; Signed by Governor Mitch Daniels on Apr/28/05
Source: ACLU on Indiana voting record SB483
Feb 28, 2005
Mitch Daniels:
Require photo ID in order to vote in elections
SB483: Requires a precinct election officer to ask a voter to provide proof of identification before the voter is permitted to vote. Provides that a proof of identification is a document issued by the United States or the state of Indiana that shows:
(1) the name of the individual to whom the document was issued; and (2) a photograph of that individual.ACLU summary September 25, 2007: A federal court of appeals in Chicago upheld Indiana's voter ID law by minimizing the
right of every individual to vote without being subject to undue burdens imposed by the state. There is no evidence in this case that Indiana's voter ID law is justified by any actual voting fraud problem.
Legislative Outcome:
Passed Senate 31-17-2 on Feb/28/05; passed House 52-45-3 on Mar/21/05; signed by Governor Mitch Daniels on Apr/28/05
Source: ACLU on Indiana voting record SB483
Apr 28, 2005
Page last updated: Feb 07, 2026