Indiana Constitution ARTICLE 2.
Indiana Constitution – Article 2: Suffrage and Election
Overview:
Article 2 of the Indiana Constitution outlines the rules and qualifications related to voting rights, elections, and voter eligibility in the state. It sets the foundation for democratic participation and ensures fair electoral processes.
🔑 Key Sections of Article 2:
Section 1 – Elections and Voter Qualifications
All citizens of the United States, who are at least 18 years old, and who have resided in an Indiana precinct for at least 30 days before the election, are entitled to vote.
Voter qualifications may be further regulated by law.
📌 This guarantees adult citizens the right to vote, while allowing the legislature to refine the process.
Section 2 – Voting Rights Protection
No person can be disenfranchised (denied the right to vote) except for imprisonment following a felony conviction.
Voting rights must be restored once the person is no longer incarcerated.
⚖️ Ensures that only current prisoners convicted of felonies lose voting rights — not permanently.
Section 3 – Exclusion from Office
Anyone convicted of infamous crimes is ineligible for public office, unless restored to civil rights.
🚫 This serves as a check on individuals with serious criminal histories seeking public office.
Section 4 – Election Methods
Elections must be free and equal, and conducted by ballot or another method provided by law.
🗳️ Allows flexibility in voting methods (e.g., electronic voting), while ensuring fairness.
Section 5 – Time of Elections
The General Assembly sets the time for holding general elections.
📅 Legislative control over the election schedule.
Section 6 – Residency and Voting
Voters must meet residency requirements established by law.
The legislature may define what constitutes gaining or losing residency for voting purposes.
Section 7 – Military Voting
Citizens in military service retain their voting rights and the General Assembly must provide the means for them to vote.
🇺🇸 Ensures service members can vote, even if stationed elsewhere.
✅ Summary:
Article 2 of the Indiana Constitution guarantees:
The right to vote for all eligible adults.
Protection against voter suppression.
Temporary disenfranchisement only for current felony imprisonment.
Clear rules for elections, public office eligibility, and military voting.
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