INDIANAPOLIS – Independent Indiana Secretary of State candidate Greg Ballard has unveiled a demo of the plan he’d launch in his first year in office: a precinct-level voters’ guide mailed to every registered voter in Indiana, showing their specific ballot and polling place; a rare level of personalization no other state has delivered. Voters who prefer digital access would get the same information through a companion smartphone app.
The demo shows exactly what a voter in Ballard's own precinct in Boone County would get. It's just a sample — Hoosiers won't get this guide in the mail this year. But if Ballard wins, every voter would get one before every general election during his term.
"This is something the State of Indiana has never created: a printed voter's guide made just for you," Ballard said. "It will list only the candidates and questions that will actually appear on your ballot along with an explanation of each office and why it matters to you. This isn't just a campaign promise. We've already built it, so you can see it for yourself."
Ballard pointed to a real example of the problem: two amendments to the Indiana constitution are on the ballot this November, but hardly anyone knows about them. A personalized guide would tell voters about things like that well before Election Day, instead of surprising them in the voting booth.
Candidates would be able to write their own statements for the guide, giving them a direct way to reach voters. The guide would also tell people what to do if they're turned away at the polls. Because voters could fill out a sample ballot in the printed guide or on their phone ahead of time, they'd already know their choices before they ever got in line.
"It will save you time when you go vote, and cut down the wait for everyone in line behind you too," Ballard said. "No Hoosier should ever walk into the voting booth feeling unprepared to cast their ballot."
Ballard was on the forefront of technology during his eight years as Indianapolis Mayor. During that time, his administration created and implemented the first iteration of the “Request Indy” app where Indianapolis residents could submit issues, concerns or requests to the Mayor’s Action Center electronically outside of email.
Hoosiers can see the demo guide, both printed and in the app, at GregBallard.com/guide. Learn more about Ballard's campaign at GregBallard.com.