New Report Urges Indiana to Scrap Straight-Ticket Voting

(INDIANAPOLIS) - An Indiana advocacy group is pushing for major changes to the state's election system, arguing they could make races more competitive and give voters more choices. Independent Indiana released a new study Monday calling for the elimination of straight-ticket voting and changes to the signature requirements for independent candidates. The group says many Indiana elections are effectively decided before the general election because of partisan primaries and heavily one-party districts. The study argues that fewer competitive races lead to lower accountability, less voter engagement, and policies driven by the most ideological voters. Independent Indiana points to past election data and recent polling showing many Hoosiers believe the state is on the wrong political track. Among its recommendations: repealing straight-ticket voting, lowering the signature threshold for independent candidates to its pre-1980 level, and building stronger campaign infrastructure for non-party candidates. Group leaders say the goal isn't a single quick fix, but a path toward fairer elections and greater accountability. They argue Hoosier voters deserve more options--and a stronger voice--in future elections.