We are opposed to a move by Republican members of the General Assembly to remove the option of voting a straight party when Hoosiers go to the polls for general elections.
We understand that many of us feel the person is more important in any given election but that that's quite different from making it harder to vote for all Democrats or all Republicans for those who choose that method of making their voice heard. Yes, people should be more informed when they vote but choosing among unknown names isn't likely to create better decisions than pressing the button for the party that most closely represents a citizen's views.
The Republicans would eliminate straight party-line voting on state ballots, according to the Bedford Times-Mail, and require the use of voter identification numbers for mail-in absentee ballots.
Democrats say the changes would make voting more difficult and this time we agree, as opposed to some Democrats silly opposition to voters presenting a valid I.D. card in order to prove they are entitled to cast the vote.
State Rep. Milo Smith, R-Columbus, chairman of the House Elections Committee, said the changes would force voters to look beyond the party label when making decisions. We are not for forcing voters to do anything, including showing up at the polls if they choose not to cast a vote.
"I just think people need to take the time to learn about who they are voting for before going in rather than just pushing a button for straight party," said Smith. "I think that makes for a better election process."
Parties still matter. This is an unneeded change and reduction in the ease of voting. The only thing that will really improve voter participation and better quality elections will be people deciding that it is worth their while to find out who is running, the character of the candidates and what they would do in office. There is really nothing the General Assembly can do about that. It is a republic and people have take on the responsibility themselves.
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