The Indiana Citizen launched its virtual ballot in 2020. The tool has become more robust during the last four years. (Adobe Stock)
The Indiana Citizen, a nonpartisan voter information platform, aims to improve civic engagement in Indiana by helping voters make informed choices. The publication's "virtual ballot" provides unbiased, accessible information on candidates and issues.
Publisher Bill Moreau emphasized the state's need for better civic health.
"One of the things that we wanted to address," he said, "is this chronic civic health crisis that Indiana is mired in - a whole wide range of metrics, voter registration, turnout and civic literacy - where voters can go and become informed voters."
Moreau highlighted its commitment to younger voters. The platform has facilitated more than 2,400 new voter registrations and now focuses on providing these first-time voters with detailed information. By inputting their address, users can see a personalized ballot featuring profiles of candidates for offices ranging from the presidency to local school boards.
Moreau underscored the importance of sharing accurate data, especially amid widespread misinformation. The Indiana Citizen's profiles pull from diverse sources, including candidates' own websites, and sometimes media reports on candidates' past issues, such as DUIs, to present a comprehensive picture.
Moreau said now that information is assembled, it's focusing on getting it into voters' hands.
"We're going to actively use social media and digital advertising to get right to them," he said, "and say, 'OK, now that you're registered, here's access to information about the candidates and the issues.'"
The Indiana Citizen collaborates with Free Press Indiana and Franklin College's Statehouse File to ensure voters have access to the information.
Joe Ulery, Producer Friday, October 11, 2024