If you are a U.S. citizen, 18 years old by Election Day and you aren’t registered to vote — what are you waiting for? You have a right to register and vote and should exercise it.
Monday, Oct. 7 is the final day for eligible Hoosiers to register to vote in this most important upcoming election for our local, state and federal public servants.
I think it’s unfortunate that many U.S. Citizens take their right to vote to select who our government leaders will be for granted. For many, citizenship is a right of birth, and unhappily sometimes birthrights, which are automatic in nature, require no effort and are not valued and exercised.
Unlike many of my fellow Americans and Hoosiers, I was not born here. Through great effort and determination, my family and I pursued the American Dream and immigrated legally to the United States.
As your Indiana Secretary of State, I understand that the right to vote is sacred—a responsibility handed down from previous generations who fought for our freedoms. For me, the right to vote is deeply personal. When I was in high school, I legally immigrated with my family to Sellersburg. Immediately, we were welcomed by the kindest people and learned the true meaning of Hoosier Hospitality. After graduating college, with a Green Card in my wallet, I served in the United States Army and the Indiana National Guard, it took years to become a naturalized citizen. I am proud of my U.S. Citizenship, I cherish it, I defend it, and I will always value and exercise my citizenship rights by voting.
Organizing and overseeing elections that are safe, secure, trusted, and transparent is my most serious and important responsibility as Indiana Secretary of State. Elections are only meaningful if citizens vote, so encouraging eligible Hoosiers to register to vote, and vote, along with addressing voters’ concerns has been a responsibility I take very seriously as well.
Throughout the past twenty-two months, as your Secretary of State, I have taken a commendable and principled stand by promoting continued voter engagement efforts by encouraging eligible Hoosiers to register to vote and to get to the polls. The push serves as a reminder that the right to vote transcends party lines and remains the cornerstone of our great nation.
Leaders have long championed personal responsibility, civic duty, and respect for the Constitution. By focusing on voter registration and turnout, my office is embracing these core values and reinforcing the principle that every eligible Hoosier has the opportunity and the obligation to participate in the electoral process.
I am proud to say with our voter outreach efforts, over 90% of eligible Hoosiers are registered to vote and that Indiana’s voter registration rate continues to grow.
Historically, Hoosiers have supported measures that ensure the integrity of safe and secure elections — often through policies aimed at preventing voter fraud. However, promoting voter registration efforts does not contradict these ideals. It aligns with the belief that the election process should be both secure and accessible. By standing up for voter registration and participation, my office is upholding that the legitimacy of our elections depends not only on preventing fraud, but also on ensuring that every eligible voter has the chance to be heard.
But the work of reaching out to every eligible voter is not done, and there is still time between now and Monday, Oct. 7 to register to vote. Please take my request seriously and act today. Go to Indianavoters.com to register to vote, confirm, or update your registration. The process takes less than two minutes.
Americans are incredibly blessed to have the right to vote. Please join me in valuing and exercising your rights by registering and voting this election season.
Diego Morales is the Indiana Secretary of State. The office has a number of duties including overseeing state elections.
