STATEHOUSE (Feb. 9, 2009) - Senate Committee on Elections today approved legislation containing several Kernan-Shepard reforms aimed at streamlining and reducing costs of elections across Indiana by a vote of 8-3.

Senate Bill 452, authored by Sen. Connie Lawson (R-Danville), shifts municipal elections to even-numbered years and moves all school board members' elections from partisan primaries to general elections.

"Statistics show that in 2007 municipal elections only 14 percent of the voters participated compared to the 2008 general election where 59 percent of the voters turned out," Lawson said. "By shifting these elections we hope to increase voter participation in these important elections and save money by not holding costly elections in odd numbered years."

Lawson's bill would also allow counties the option of establishing vote centers, polling places where any county resident may vote, regardless of precinct.

Indiana has been operating a pilot program in three Indiana counties with high rates of success. Results showed turnout in the 2008 general election in Cass County was nearly 11 percent higher than the state average.

"When Colorado moved to the vote center system, costs were reduced from $2.05 to $1.44 per voter," said Lawson. "These numbers are very encouraging and I believe voter centers will not only modernize our states elections, but could provide some real cost savings to Hoosier taxpayers - which is especially important right now."

SB 452 would also prohibit a public employee from holding an elective office. Lawson said this section would eliminate members of local boards who are public employees from voting on measures that directly affect their salary, pension and budget decisions.

Lawson's bill now moves to the full Senate for further consideration. 

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