With unprecedented disruptions from COVID-19, Hamilton suggests common sense solutions for 2020 General Election
INDIANAPOLIS – State Representative Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis) today sent a letter to Governor Holcomb requesting immediate action to protect public health and preserve voters' constitutional rights in the 2020 General Election.
Hamilton's urgency follows June's 2020 Primary Election, where long lines at traditional voting centers, unprecedented numbers of absentee ballots, and counties' shortage of poll workers and resources led to voter disenfranchisement.
“I was pleased with the Indiana Election Commission's decision, supported by both Governor Holcomb and Secretary of State Connie Lawson, to expand vote-by-mail opportunities,” Hamilton said. “However, the aftermath of June's election showed that many Hoosiers were left disenfranchised. As elected officials it is our duty to do better when we know better, and it is imperative that adjustments are made to ensure both public safety and election efficacy for the 2020 General Election.”
In her letter, Hamilton offers the following forward-thinking solutions to mitigate the negative effects of COVID-19 in the upcoming election:
- Implement a no-excuse vote-by-mail option for the 2020 General Election
- Instruct all counties to count all ballots if they are postmarked by Election Day and received within a week of Election Day
- Have counties provide ballot drop boxes at secure sites in the community
- Allocate available federal funds to ensure these changes can be implemented effectively
Read the full letter below:
