INDIANAPOLIS — Poll worker safety was top of mind at the Statehouse Monday as the House Courts and Criminal Code unanimously passed SB 170.
The bill, if signed into law would make threatening, obstructing or injuring a poll worker on election day a Level 6 Felony. According to the bill’s author, the bill attempts to address concerns about election-day staffing.
Several people who testified in favor of the bill Monday said poll workers are frustrated and fearful as they head into what could be the biggest presidential election in history.
“These are our neighbors and our friends, and they are dropping out of the process,” State Sen. Greg Walker (R, Columbus) said.
Others agreed.
“It’s unfortunate that this bill is necessary, but it certainly is,” Julia Vaughn, Executive Director for Common Cause Indiana, said.
Voting rights groups and county offices in support of the bill testified that they’ve seen threats and actions taken against their election workers—something they said they hope this will stop.
“Not only has it become increasingly and exponentially more difficult for Indiana’s clerks to recruit and retain new poll workers, but our current and experienced poll workers are expressing concern for their personal safety and wellbeing,” Nicole Brown, President of the Indiana Association of County Clerks.
However, there are some exceptions. Under the amended bill, offenses against an election worker that take place in a nursing home don’t count—a change met with disdain by some who otherwise supported the bill.
“I think all election workers no matter whether it’s a temporary or permanent part of paid staff should be protected,” Barbara Tully, Founder of Indiana Vote by Mail, said.
An amendment to the bill also removed the Secretary of State and Election Division employees from receiving those protections.
A date for a full House hearing has yet to be determined. If passed into law, the bill would go into effect immediately.
