Common Cause Indiana is raising awareness that a law attacking the voter registrations of naturalized U.S. citizens will go into effect July 1, potentially removing citizens from voting if they do not respond with the correct documentation within a 30 day period of time.

“This bill that seeks to removes law-abiding U.S. citizens from the voter rolls is an attack on all citizens and our right to the vote,” said Julia Vaughn, Common Cause Indiana Executive Director. “If the state can take away one citizen’s right to the ballot, they can take away anyone’s rights. That’s why Common Cause Indiana is helping citizens confirm their voter registration and protect their right to vote. If you have questions, reach out and we will help you protect your rights as a U.S. citizen to vote.”

House Enrolled Act 1264 of 2024 requires county election boards to cross-check voter registrations against a list of temporary credentials maintained by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles. However, the BMV does not consistently update this list, which means naturalized citizens may wrongly receive letters from county election boards questioning their citizenship and eligibility to vote.  

Here are the actions citizens should take if they receive  such a letter. Failure to respond within 30 days will cancel the voter’s registration: 

• Provide a certificate of naturalization, or  

• Provide a U.S. Passport, or 

• Provide other proof of citizenship 

• Contact Common Cause at lortas@commoncause.org if questions remain