Election Information
In the midst of the election season, Attorney General Todd Rokita announced today that his office has offered guidance to religious leaders and churches in Indiana about how they can legally participate in activities available to all Americans.
“Since its founding, churches have played a vital and indispensable role in our nation’s political and civic life,” Attorney General Rokita said. “There is no federal law that precludes religious leaders from speaking about voter education in a non-partisan way or for the organizations they lead to host or conduct related activities.”
In the guidance letter, Attorney General Rokita states that churches are protected by the First Amendment in various ways and are not shut out from participating in the electoral process. Non-partisan voter education and registration efforts, inviting candidates to speak before their congregations, and taking a stand on public policy issues that matter to the church and its members are all activities they can engage in without losing its tax-exempt status.
However, Attorney General Rokita also states that nonprofits, including churches, must not participate or intervene in any particular political campaign, which includes publishing or distributing statements on behalf of or in opposition to any candidate for public office.
“Religious leaders can and should consider playing a role in contributing to our democratic process,” Attorney General Rokita said. “It’s the rock on which our Republic is built. I want to make sure they understand what kinds of election-related conduct is and isn’t legal, so they can lead with confidence and so churches as a whole can be more effective for the communities they serve.
Attorney General Rokita’s office oversees consumer complaints against nonprofits and entities across the state. Hoosiers can file consumer complaints here if they believe a nonprofit organization is violating state law.
A copy of the guidance can be viewed here.
Stephanie K. Rockey, Washington County Clerk of Courts and Wash. Co. Election Administrator, recently issued the following information pertaining to this year's upcoming election.
The following are important dates and deadlines for the 2024 General Election:
By Indiana Secretary Of State Diego Morales
According to House Enrolled Act 1334, the following are requirements for absentee voting by mail for the 2024 General Election:
Absentee voters will be asked to provide ONE of the following numbers on an absentee ballot application:
Indiana Driver’s License Number
Indiana Identification Card Number
Unique Voter Identification Number
Last four digits of Social Security Number
OR
Provide a copy of a government-issued photo ID
(Drivers license, BMV ID card, passport, etc.)
Tbe first absentee ballot drop will be Friday, September 20. Applications for absentee ballots must be received by the county clerk’s office before midnight on Thursday, October 24.
Applications are processed by county clerks and election officers. Call the Washington County Clerk of Courts at 812-883-5748 for information.
Ernie Tuttle, Democrat candidate for Washington County Commissioner, District 3.
David Norton, Democrat candidate for Washington County Commissioner, District 1.
The Republicans' time to file to be candidates in the November is over; it’s now time for the Democrats to file. They had until July 3 at noon to file for election and be on the ballot.
Two candidates have filed for re-election to the Town of Pekin Town Council. They are Darlene Anderson Hall and Anthony N. Mosby and will be uncontested.
Ernie Tuttle has been appointed by the Democrat Party to fill the ballot vacancy as a candidate for County Commissioner District 3.
David H. Norton has been appointed by the Democratic Party to fill the ballot vacancy of the party for County Commissioner, District 1. His filing has been certified, and he will be on the ballot in November. For clarification, along with his Primary voting history, the party filed a Certification of Support by the Democratic party chair in support of his declaration of candidacy. This is standard practice when someone changes party.
By Jerry Curry, Staff Writer
The November 15th election will be here before you know it. Will you be ready to exercise your right to vote? Your vote is important.
Deadline to register to vote is October 7. Many important offices will be voted on, including president of the United States, Indiana governor, and attorney general, U.S House of Representatives, U.S. Senate and many local positions.
What you need to register:
Have a valid Indiana Driver's License or Indiana State Identification Card.
Be a citizen of the United States.
Be at least 18 years old on or before the next general, municipal or special election. (A 17-year-old may register and vote in the primary election if the voter turns 18 on or before the next general or municipal election.)
Have lived in your precinct for at least 30 DAYS before the next general, municipal, or special election.
Not currently imprisoned after being convicted of a crime.
Stephanie Rockey is the clerk of courts for Washington County. She is in charge of the county’s 19 precincts. The county clerk’s office phone number is 812-883-5748.
More information can be reached by the website http://indianavoters.in.gov. This site is packed with information and has the following headers including: register to vote, checking voting status, vote by mail or absentee ballot from the traveling board, voting locations and election security.
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