New and Updated Indiana Voter Registrations Surpass 500,000 in 2008

Contact: Jim Gavin
317-233-8655
Media@sos.in.gov

Secretary of State Todd Rokita highlights robust interest in the General Election; announces readiness plan to ensure all Hoosiers have the chance to vote November 4

Indiana Secretary of State Todd Rokita announced today that so far in 2008, more than a half million Hoosiers have either registered to vote for the first time or updated their existing voter registration records. The total number of eligible voters registered in Indiana is now nearly 4.4 million with six weeks remaining until the October 6 voter registration deadline.

"Hoosiers are eager to participate in what could be the biggest Election Day in our nation's history in terms of turnout," said Secretary Rokita. "ith our state-of-the-art Statewide Voter Registration System and the collaboration between local and state election officials, Indiana and its 92 counties are well-equipped to handle the influx of voters and to conduct a secure and successful 2008 election."

Secretary Rokita recommends any voter unsure about the status of his or her registration or polling place should visit http://www.indianavoters.com/ or call (866) IN-1-VOTE. Voters can also find information about the option to vote absentee-in-person beginning 29 days before Election Day, or by mail if eligible.

This week, Secretary Rokita also begins a statewide tour to include stops in more than 40 Indiana counties between now and Election Day. He will meet with voters, local election officials, civic organizations and others to discuss Indianaâ€™s efforts to prepare for the election, recent reforms in the election process and the important things voters will need to know in order to register to vote and navigate the polls on Election Day.

This week, Secretary Rokita will visit these locations and events:

Thursday, August 28

1:30 p.m.

Camp Atterbury (Edinburgh) - Secretary Rokita will meet with Major General R. Martin Umbarger, Indiana's Adjutant General, and members of the Indiana National Guard scheduled to be deployed before Election Day. Secretary Rokita will overview how these soldiers and airmen can successfully request a ballot and cast their votes from overseas.

Media attending should contact Major Mike Brady at 317.694.7746 upon arrival at Camp Atterbury.

4:15 p.m.

Nashville - Secretary Rokita will meet with first-term Brown County Clerk Beth Mulry and her staff at the Brown County Courthouse. He will overview expectations for the upcoming election and address any concerns. He will also honor two of Brown County's longest serving poll workers for their service.

Friday, August 29

7:00 p.m.

Columbus - Secretary Rokita and his staff will conduct a voter registration drive at the Columbus North vs. Columbus East varsity football game at Columbus North High School and will honor some of the Bartholomew County's long-serving poll workers in a half-time ceremony.

Media Contact: Jim Gavin, 317.233.8655, jgavin@sos.in.gov

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