IndyBar: Voter Registration Initiative

By Paula J. Schaefer, Ruppert & Schaefer PC

On September 17, 2024, the annual Voter Registration Drive was sponsored by the Marion County Bar Association. For the first time, the Drive took place at the Marion County Adult Detention Center. Attorney volunteers were required to leave their belongings in a secured locker and be escorted by a Sheriff’s Deputy through locked metal doors, a metal detector, and through the long, winding hallways to a windowless conference room. This is where the volunteers were able to interact and assist the inmate.

An annual Voter Registration Drive has been an initiative of the Marion County Bar Association for as long as board member Katherine-Jackson Lindsay has been a member of the Association. The event has taken place at various locations in the past, but this year the Sheriff’s Department responded to outreach from the Association, and it was determined that the Adult Detention Center would serve as the host venue. While those who are currently serving a sentence do not presently have the right to vote, those in the detention center who are awaiting trial or sentencing are able to exercise their legal right to vote.

Ms. Jackson-Lindsay reported that this was the biggest advance sign-up for registration that she has seen, with 50 inmates pre-registering to reserve their slot, many of whom were registering to vote for the first time. The volunteers provided one-on-one assistance to each of the registrants. They helped to determine whether the registrant was eligible to vote, already registered to vote, or whether a new application was needed. Not only did the volunteers assist with voter registration, but they also provided information about how to request an absentee ballot.

Approximately 9 volunteers were scheduled to work in shifts throughout the 8-hour event. Various reasons were given by volunteers as to why they took time out of their day to volunteer with this project. When Ms. Jackson-Lindsay was asked why she volunteered to work on the project, she said, “as a criminal law attorney I am passionate about protecting the rights of the accused” and one of those rights is the right to vote. One attorney said that she wanted to volunteer to help others, but did not want to engage in more legal work in that role. She stated that this project was “law adjacent” and seemed like it was a good fit for her. Another volunteer is also on the board of the Marion County Bar Association and is a repeat volunteer for this project.

The inmates were excited to discuss their opinions about the candidates and issues in this election, but when asked why it was important to register to vote, several thoughtful answers were provided, such as ‘I want to make a change,’ ‘I don’t want my voice to be taken away from me,’ and ‘I feel an obligation as a citizen of the United States to play a part in the election.’ Most reported that they plan to request an absentee ballot. The Sheriff’s Department has a protocol for absentee voting and will be working with the inmates to deliver and collect absentee ballots.

Many thanks to the volunteers who lent their time and talent to make this a successful event. If you are interested in volunteering your time, consider joining IndyBar’s Pro Bono and Public Outreach Committee at www.indybar.org/probono!•

Paula J. Schaefer is a partner at Ruppert & Schaefer PC and practices in the area of family law. Ms. Schaefer is the former chair and a current member of IndyBar’s Pro Bono and Public Outreach Committee.