About HB 1311

Dear Students of Indiana University,

On behalf of the College Democrats and College Republicans at IU, we affirm that our two organizations rise in opposition to House Bill 1311 as proposed by Rep. Peggy Mayfield.

As it currently reads, it would prevent students who pay out-of-state tuition from voting in Indiana. We do not view this as a partisan issue, but as a threat to student voting rights.

Regardless of our political leanings, we cannot support disenfranchising student voters under any pretense.

It has been raised as an issue of residency, but we are clearly residents. The majority of our student body is here for four years and often becomes deeply involved in the community.

Many of us will decide to stay in Indiana long after graduation. Whether paying in-state or out-of-state tuition, we are all Hoosiers.

We cannot afford to turn away those who come to Indiana for higher education. Indiana is fortunate to have so many talented students coming into the state, bringing economic activity and new ideas.

We absolutely agree that students should be engaged in the political process. Indiana University is better off for having active chapters of the College Democrats and the College Republicans.

On the grounds of its negative effect on the student voice, we oppose HB 1311. We strongly urge Rep. Mayfield to remove the disenfranchisement language from the bill and for all representatives to vote NO on HB 1311 if it remains.

— Aaron Dy
President of College Democrats at IU

Daniel Cheesman
Chairman of College Republicans at IU