This legislative session, Common Cause Indiana worked around the clock to advocate for legislation that would build a more accessible and inclusive democracy.

Thanks to our efforts, we successfully secured several important wins for Indiana voters, including killing legislation that would have closed Indiana primaries to independent voters and cut the early voting period in half, from 28 days to 14 days.

While we’re proud of these important wins, we know there’s still a lot of work to be done since a couple of bad bills did pass this session and the many pro-democracy bills were not scheduled for hearings.

2025 Common Cause Indiana Legislative Agenda.

✘=Passed    О= Failed    Ｎ= Not Heard

Access to Voting

 О SB201 (Gaskill) – This bill would have required people who register to vote in Indiana to declare a political party or designate themselves as an “unaffiliated” or independent voter. Independent voters account for at least 25% of the Hoosier electorate; effectively disenfranchising them from primary elections and leading to an even smaller percentage of voters choosing our elected officials. This is not what democracy looks like and thanks to the work of our supporters who sent thousands of messages to legislators, this bill died in the Senate on 2nd reading after passing out of the Elections Committee on a party line vote.

✘ HB1633 (Smaltz) – This bill started as legislation to move local municipal elections to even-numbered years and has now transitioned into a study that will be conducted by the Secretary of State’s office on timing of local elections and whether or not voter centers should be mandatory. Common Cause Indiana does not have a position on moving local elections to even-numbered years and while Common Cause Indiana supports the implementation of voter centers, we think it should be a local decision. But, we opposed this bill because we think legislative studies should be conducted by legislative study committees, which is the normal course of action. The Secretary of State is not neutral on these issues and should not be in charge of this process. Common Cause Indiana will be keeping a close eye on this study this summer– look out for more updates! 

О SB284 (Byrne) – This bill would have reduced the early voting period from 28 days to 14 days. As we know, in many communities across the state, lines are already long during early voting periods and too many Hoosiers have waited hours to vote early. When early voting is reduced, voter accessibility decreases and long waits will increase, which will particularly burden elderly and disabled voters. Like SB201, this bill died in the Senate after passing out of committee.

Fairness and Equity

✘ SB137 (Bohacek) – This bill would advance policies started during the 2024 legislative session that would compare the BMV list of temporary credential holders with the voter roll. This bill creates unnecessary barriers for naturalized citizens who have registered to vote. Common Cause Indiana will continue to mitigate the effect this bill and others that have previously passed have on naturalized citizens and immigrant communities.

Ｎ SB200 (Gaskill) – This bill would have removed straight ticket voting in general or municipal elections. We support this bill because we believe it will lead to more informed voters, less down ballot drop off, provide a level playing field for 3rd party candidates and result in more moderate candidates being elected. Indiana is one of only 6 states that still allows straight ticket voting. Unfortunately, this bill did not get a committee hearing. 

✘ SB287 (Byrne) – This bill would require school board candidates to run in partisan elections. We opposed this bill because forcing school board members to affiliate with a political party will prevent some good candidates from running because of the federal Hatch Act and increase the likelihood that partisan political issues, such as eliminating DEI programs, will dominate school board agendas instead of the issues that school boards need to deal with; like budgets and hiring superintendents.

Voter List Maintenance

✘ HB1680 (Wesco) – This bill makes many changes to election law. Like SB10 and SB137, this bill contains language that makes naturalized citizens who register to vote show proof of citizenship if they have ever had a temporary ID. This bill will also reject absentee ballots that do not contain the date that the ballot was signed, effectively throwing out votes without giving the voter the chance to correct their mistake. This bill also allows poll watchers to enter and leave any polling site throughout Election day. Common Cause Indiana was able to gain one positive change to this bill; prior to an amendment, HB1680 would have changed voter registration assistance laws, greatly impacting elderly, disabled and low-English proficiency voters who sometimes need help completing the form.

✘ SB10 (Doriot) – This legislation will stop students at Indiana’s public universities from being able to use their college IDs as a voter ID, something that has been allowed since the Voter ID law was passed in 2005. This law was passed despite the fact that student IDs have all of the features that are required under our state’s Voter ID law, like a photo and expiration date. SB10 also attempts to resurrect the failed Indiana Data Enhancement Association (IDEA) program by attempting to go into partnerships with other states to compare voter rolls with the goal of identifying duplicate registrations. Common Cause Indiana was able to make one positive change to this bill; prior to an amendment, SB10 would have reduced voter registration access at the BMV. Unfortunately, despite many of our supporters contacting him to request a veto this bill was signed into law by Governor Braun.

Gerrymandering and Redistricting

The Indiana General Assembly continues to ignore the public’s concerns about gerrymandering and redistricting. Still no effort has been made to reform partisan redistricting or pass mapping standards. Hoosiers continue to live in gerrymandered districts, diluting their votes and voices. But, we appreciate Senator Fady Qaddoura continuing to file bills to reform redistricting.

Voter Safety

✘ SB199 (Gaskill) – This bill would allow candidates to petition for the appointment of poll watchers during primary elections. While we are not opposed to poll watchers in concept, we fear this policy could be abused and some partisan poll watchers might attempt to interfere with the administration of the election.

✘ SJR21 (Zay) – Under an Article V convention, SJR21 would call for the passage of a Constitution amendment to enact term limits for the U.S. House of Representatives. We oppose this bill because an Article V convention is unpredictable and dangerous. Term limits are a worthy goal, but there is no language in the U.S. constitution that would put any limits on an Article V convention. The General Assembly attempted to do so via SB450, however, just because Indiana delegates have “restrictions” does not mean that every other state has to follow our rules. Any Constitutional issue could be brought up during an Article V convention. Civil and constitutional rights would be at risk and this process creates the possibility of voters being stripped of their foundational rights.

Unfortunately, the Indiana General Assembly failed to hear any bills that would protect voters and poll workers at polling places by banning guns.

Common Cause Indiana Initiatives

Progress on Protecting Immigrant Communities

• Common Cause Indiana is working with local community organizations that work directly with immigrant communities and naturalized citizens to spread awareness about legislation like HEA1264 (2024) that directly affects them. We will continue to share resources and information to keep community members informed and mitigate the negative effects these bills will have in these communities.

Citizens-Led Redistricting Commissions

• Common Cause Indiana is working in cities like Valparaiso, West Lafayette, and Michigan City to reform the redistricting process and incorporate citizen-led redistricting commissions.

Continue to Fight Against Dangerous Calls for Constitutional Convention

• Common Cause Indiana will continue to fight against calls for Constitutional Convention, to protect every constitutional right and protection for citizens in the United States.

Holding Democracy Accountable

• This summer the Secretary of State’s office will be conducting studies on timing of elections and mandatory voter centers. Common Cause Indiana will be keeping a close watch on this process and keep you informed about how you can participate.