Straight Ticket Voting... it doesn't Cover Everything.

Fun fact: Indiana is one of only 6 states left that allow straight-ticket voting. This option has been dwindling over the years as states like Texas, Georgia, Wisconsin, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania have eliminated the option. Interesting connection.

Straight-Ticket Voting: What it Does (and Doesn't) Do

Before you slam on the Democratic button on your ballot, there's some important notes that make voting straight-ticket in Indiana, different than some other states. First, not all offices are included in straight-ticket voting. If you only hit the straight-ticket button you will miss some crucial down ballot races.

New this year, School Board races are partisan. Candidates have the option to run with a political party affiliation or as nonpartisan candidates with no party affiliation. Although, this is a big change from past elections, when school board candidates did not declare a party affiliation, you will still need to select your School Board candidates individually. School Board races are not included in straight-ticket voting.

Offices Not Included in "Straight-Ticket" Votes

It's important that you get to know your down ballot races, referendums, and ballot questions because those are NOT included in the straight-ticket voting. Here's a list of some of the candidates you'll want to research:

1. Public Ballot Question

2. Judge Retention

3. School Board (see above)

4. Township Board & Trustee

5. At-Large Seats for County Council and Town Council

6. Referendums: Learn a little more here

   1. Carmel Clay School

   2. Hamilton Southeastern Schools

   3. Noblesville Schools

   4. Westfield Washington Schools

   5. Sheridan Community Schools

Should I Vote Straight-Ticket?

It's really up to you.

It has been interesting to see the rise in straight-ticket Democratic voters over the last 10 years. I have to admit, I really enjoy pushing every single one of the Democratic candidates names individually. It's my way of thanking our candidates for running and showing up for the community.

Either way, I encourage you to get to know ALL of the candidates on your ballot. And whatever way, you decide to vote, you know you picked candidates who have your and our HamCo community's best interest at heart.

How Should I prepare?

• Review Your Sample Ballot at indianavoters.in.gov before you go to the polls.

• Bringing a "cheat sheet" is the smart thing to do and allowed! Just don't go waving it around and passing it to your voting booth neighbors.

• Finish the Ballot: Always scroll/flip to the very end of the ballot. Your most local impact is often found at the end of the ballot.

Happy early voting and we'll see you at the polls between October 6th - November 3rd!