Rokita Announces Online and Toll-Free Hotline Resources for Voters

Contact: AJ Freeney-Ruiz
317-233-8655
Media@sos.in.gov

Indianapolis, IN - Today, Indiana Secretary of State Todd Rokita announced a website to answer voter questions on Election Day and a toll-free phone line for Hoosiers to report cases of election fraud and accessibility problems during the Primary Election. Both resources are intended to assist Indiana voters on Election Day and maintain the integrity of the state's electoral process.

The "2006 Primary Election HQ" can be accessed via Rokita's official website found at www.sos.IN.gov, and is part of Rokita's ongoing e-Services efforts to incorporate technology into initiatives and duties undertaken by the Secretary of State's office. Rokita also set up a hotline for Hoosiers believing they have observed some form of election fraud and for use by elderly and disabled voters who feel their polling place is not fully accessible.

"Our 'Election Headquarters' website provides a variety of Election Day resources for Indiana voters," Rokita said. "By accessing the site, Hoosiers can find out where they are supposed to vote, provide easy to understand answers on the new Voter ID law, and even provide videos on how to use the new electronic voting systems found throughout the state." The site also allows voters to submit questions directly to Secretary of State staff members on Election Day.

Voters are also encouraged to use a new hotline to report voter fraud any physical obstacles to voting to address issues prior to the November General Election. The toll-free number is 866-IN1-VOTE (866-461-8683). Secretary of State staff will be on hand to answer the calls from 6:00 AM to 7:00 PM EDT on Election Day.

"My office set up this toll-free number to assist Hoosier voters and help protect the integrity of Indiana elections," Rokita said. "It is crucial to report any election fraud to ensure a fair and honest election. We also want to know voters are able to cast their ballot independently and in private, and encourage them to call and let us know if a polling place is not fully accessible and impedes this goal."

The Secretary of State's Office has been working with counties to make changes and upgrade polling places in time for the Primary Election as required by federal and state laws. Federal law requires at least one voting machine accessible to a voter with a wide range of disabilities be placed in each polling place and be used independent of any outside assistance. The Secretary of State's Office distributed more than $30million in federal and state funds to counties in order to meet this requirement. Polling facilities must also be fully physically accessible.