STATEHOUSE (Jan. 12, 2023) – State Rep. Alan Morrison (R-Brazil) authored legislation that would boost transparency in Hoosier school board elections by allowing candidates to declare a party affiliation.
"Over the last few years, school board elections and policies impacting our kids have really been in the spotlight," Morrison said. "The pandemic-related lockdowns, masking and e-learning underscored the significant role our elected school boards and their decisions have on students. I believe school board candidates should be able to declare their party affiliation, which would help parents be more informed when selecting the candidate that best aligns with their values."
Under the proposed legislation, school board candidates claiming affiliation with a political party must have voted in that party's two most recent primary elections, or have the party chair in the county they reside in certify their affiliation. A candidate could identify as independent if they aren't a member of a political party.
Four other states including Alabama, Connecticut, Louisiana and Pennsylvania have laws allowing party affiliations to appear on ballots for school board elections.
House Bill 1074 is assigned to the House Committee on Elections and Apportionment for consideration. Watch session and committees live, and view legislation at iga.in.gov.
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State Rep. Alan Morrison (R-Brazil) represents House District 42, which includes
all of Parke and Vermillion counties, and portions of Clay, Fountain and Vigo counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
