IN
Indiana Senate Bill SB0010

Indiana 2025 Regular Session

Indiana Senate Bill SB0010

Introduced
1/14/25  
Refer
1/14/25  
Report Pass
1/28/25  
Engrossed
2/5/25  
Refer
3/3/25  
Report Pass
3/27/25  

Caption

Voter registration.

Impact

If enacted, SB0010 is set to spearhead significant changes in the voter registration infrastructure in Indiana. The implementation of stricter proof of citizenship measures may lead to an increase in the number of individuals facing difficulties in registering to vote, especially for marginalized communities who may lack the required documents. Furthermore, the bill's provisions on maintaining interim voter lists aim to harmonize state practices with federal standards while potentially reducing the number of inactive voters at the polls.

Summary

Senate Bill 0010 (SB0010) aims to amend the Indiana Code concerning the voter registration process. The bill introduces stricter requirements for proof of citizenship for individuals seeking to register to vote, including the necessity to present valid documentation to confirm citizenship status. Additionally, the bill mandates that voter registration offices conduct regular maintenance of the voter rolls in compliance with federal regulations and emphasizes confidentiality in handling voters' documentation related to their citizenship status.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB0010 is notably polarizing. Supporters argue that the bill is a necessary step for ensuring election integrity and maintaining accurate voter rolls. They believe that these measures will help prevent potential voter fraud and ensure that only eligible citizens participate in elections. Conversely, opponents of the bill contend that it may disenfranchise eligible voters, particularly minorities and low-income individuals who may find it challenging to produce the necessary documentation. This debate encapsulates the larger national conversation regarding voter access and election security.

Contention

Key points of contention revolve around the potential for the bill to disproportionately affect certain demographics, raising concerns about voter suppression. Additionally, the logistics of implementing a rigorous voter list maintenance program may lead to administrative burdens. The requirement for individuals to provide proof of citizenship could lead to confusion and fears of disenfranchisement among voters, which could ultimately impact elections at multiple levels across the state.

Latest SB0010 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

PA HB284

Providing for secure and fair elections and the authentication of United States citizenship.

NH HB365

Relative to proof of United States citizenship for indigent voters.

MS SB2633

Register to vote; require proof of citizenship and 2 proofs of address.

TX SB16

Relating to requiring a person to submit proof of citizenship to register to vote; creating criminal offenses.

TX HB5337

Relating to requiring a person to submit proof of citizenship to register to vote; creating criminal offenses.

SD SB48

Modify provisions pertaining to the registration of voters.

US HB22

Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act or the SAVE ActThis bill requires individuals to provide documentary proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote in federal elections.Specifically, the bill prohibits states from accepting and processing an application to register to vote in a federal election unless the applicant presents documentary proof of U.S. citizenship. The bill specifies what documents are considered acceptable proof of U.S. citizenship, such as identification that complies with the REAL ID Act of 2005 that indicates U.S. citizenship.Further, the bill (1) prohibits states from registering an individual to vote in a federal election unless, at the time the individual applies to register to vote, the individual provides documentary proof of U.S. citizenship; and (2) requires states to establish an alternative process under which an applicant may submit other evidence to demonstrate U.S. citizenship.Each state must take affirmative steps on an ongoing basis to ensure that only U.S. citizens are registered to vote, which shall include establishing a program to identify individuals who are not U.S. citizens using information supplied by certain sources.Additionally, states must remove noncitizens from their official lists of eligible voters.The bill allows for a private right of action against an election official who registers an applicant to vote in a federal election who fails to present documentary proof of U.S. citizenship.The bill establishes criminal penalties for certain offenses, including registering an applicant to vote in a federal election who fails to present documentary proof of U.S. citizenship.

TX HB1026

Relating to the duties of the secretary of state relating to voter registration.