Indianapolis, Indiana – Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales has completed a series of statewide public meetings focused on key election issues, giving residents a chance to share their thoughts on the future of voting in the state. Although state law required only three public hearings, Secretary Morales went above and beyond by hosting five sessions, ensuring more Hoosiers could participate and provide feedback. Each meeting was livestreamed, and a dedicated online portal allowed citizens to submit additional comments.
The meetings addressed two major topics mandated by HEA 1633, legislation signed into law earlier this year. First, the sessions explored the timing of municipal elections, including proposals to move them to coincide with presidential or midterm election years. Second, the discussions focused on the potential implementation of vote center voting statewide, a system that allows voters to cast ballots at any location within their county rather than at a designated polling place.
“Under Secretary Morales’ leadership, Indiana now ranks #7 in the nation for election integrity. These meetings are about listening to Hoosiers- because election integrity and voter confidence are priorities for my office. Hearing directly from local officials, voters, and community leaders helps us continue improving one of the strongest election systems in the country,” Morales said.
The sessions were spread across multiple regions of Indiana to ensure broad accessibility. In addition to public comment periods, attendees received presentations from election experts from the Voting System Technical Oversight Project at Ball State University, who shared detailed research and analysis on election processes, voter turnout, and administrative logistics.
Public participation was robust at each meeting. Citizens asked questions, shared concerns, and provided suggestions about the timing of elections and the possible adoption of vote centers. These interactions will be carefully summarized and presented to legislators, providing a clear view of public opinion on these important issues.
The Secretary of State’s office plans to compile findings from the meetings, data collected from local election administrators, public comment summaries, and the U.S. Election Assistance Commission’s most recent Election Administration and Voting Survey (EAVS) into a comprehensive report. This report will be submitted to the Indiana General Assembly Legislative Council and posted online once finalized, allowing Hoosiers to review the outcomes and recommendations.
Secretary Morales emphasized that these meetings are part of a broader effort to ensure transparency and maintain public trust in Indiana’s elections. By engaging directly with voters, local officials, and community leaders, his office is taking proactive steps to identify areas for improvement and implement policies that strengthen the state’s election system.
Photographs from the meetings have been shared on the Secretary of State’s social media platforms, giving residents a glimpse into the discussions and interactions that took place across the state.
The series of meetings marks a significant step in Indiana’s ongoing efforts to enhance election integrity and voter confidence, reflecting Secretary Morales’ commitment to hearing from the public and incorporating their input into future election policies. The initiative also highlights Indiana’s leadership nationally, as the state continues to rank among the top in the country for secure and reliable elections.
With the report expected to be made public in the coming months, policymakers and voters alike will have access to a detailed account of the public’s perspective, research findings, and proposed recommendations. The meetings demonstrate that election integrity and citizen engagement remain central priorities for Secretary Morales’ office as Indiana continues to modernize and improve its election systems.
The conclusion of these public sessions represents not only a fulfillment of legal obligations but also a broader effort to strengthen trust, increase transparency, and provide Hoosiers with meaningful opportunities to shape the future of voting in their state.
