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REGISTERING YOUNG VOTERS FOR THE 2026 ELECTIONS—AND BEYOND
When our state officials promote the presence of one partisan political organization in our public schools, it’s time for us to speak up.Our state leaders are elected to serve all the citizens of our state, not just those of one political ideology.
Students have constitutional rights to form non-curricular clubs, but there’s a difference when the push to do so comes from the Governor’s office and the Secretary of State. Schools should remain politically neutral environments. Educators, school leaders, and school boards have a responsibility to ensure that no political organization is perceived to be endorsed by the state or implanted within our public school system such that neutrality is compromised.
Secretary of State Diego Morales’ emphasis on increasing voter registration is commendable. He could have maintained neutrality with his “statewide voter registration and poll worker recruitment initiative” had he not partnered with Club America and supported formation of Club America chapters in the process.If he’s going to support a group for voter outreach, he should make sure that it is either strictly nonpartisan or make sure that he’s working with groups of all political persuasions. His election administration should remain neutral.
As Indiana Senate Democratic Leader Shelli Yoder stated, “Students in Indiana already have the freedom to form clubs, speak their minds, register to vote and participate in civic life. The question is not whether students can participate. The question is whether the State of Indiana should be putting its thumb on the scale for one outside ideological agenda.”
The League of Women Voters of Indiana agrees.
Go HERE to access more information and articles about Club America and Turning Point.
Linda Hanson
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