Ahead of the May 3 primary elections, the League of Women Voters of Hamilton County offers the nonpartisan election resource Vote411.org. This “one-stop shop” for election information provides ways to access candidate information, find polling place locations and register to vote, among other services.
“Voters need simple, accessible tools to help them navigate the voting process before they go to vote,” said Lisa Dick, president of the local league. “Vote411 is the best online election resource, and we have published our voter guide on Vote411 to serve as a resource for all of Hamilton County’s voters.”
League members have sought information from all candidates running in the primary this year. They are contributing this information to the national Vote411 website so that Hamilton County users can see who is running in their areas and learn more about their platforms.
Users of the site can click to see their precincts, to learn about candidates on their ballots and to check their voter registration or register.
When logging onto Vote411.org, simply enter your address, and all the information on the next page will be tailored to your area. The page includes election dates, links for first-time voters, links to register and links to check registrations.
“It’s important this year for registered voters to make sure they know where to vote and to see if their precincts have changed as a result of recent redistricting,” Dick said.
You see descriptions of the office, then photos and bios of the candidates who responded to the league’s request for info. Dick said each candidate was sent a survey by email or mail, and their responses were entered by their own representatives. The league does not edit candidate responses.
Dick added a few reminders for primary voters. Indiana’s is a “closed” primary, which means voters select candidates in one party or another. You choose one party to cast all your votes, but you do not have to be a member of that party to choose its ballot.
“In the general election in the fall, you do not have to declare a party and you can vote for anyone on the ballot, regardless of party,” she explained. A list of more primary voting reminders is on the league’s website home page.
Vote411.org is free and nonpartisan in keeping with the League of Women Voters’ mission as an organization that encourages informed and active participation in government. Leagues around the nation work to increase understanding of major public policy issues and to influence public policy through education and advocacy.
For more information, visit Vote411.org, the League of Women Voters of Hamilton County website or its Facebook page.