Campaign Highlights Risks to Constitutional Rights,
Working Families Ahead of November Election

 

INDIANAPOLIS — A coalition of civil rights advocates, labor unions and grassroots community organizations launched a paid digital ad campaign this week opposing Public Question 1, a proposed constitutional amendment on the November general election ballot in Indiana.

 

The digital ad campaign, running across social media platforms, digital video and targeted online outlets across the state, urges Hoosiers to vote "NO" on Public Question 1. The ballot measure proposes amending Article 1, Section 17 of the Indiana Constitution to expand state authority to deny bail before trial beyond current narrow exceptions for murder and treason.

 

The amendment would give broad, unchecked power to politicians and judges, threatening fundamental due process rights, overcrowding county jails and harming working Hoosiers and under-resourced communities.

 

Key Quotes from Coalition Leaders

 

Indiana Task FORCE

"In America’s legal system, every person accused of a crime is innocent until proven guilty. If passed, Public Question 1 would permanently change Indiana's Constitution to allow judges to withhold bail for broad categories of offenses before trial. Amending our state constitution is a dangerous and risky approach. We shouldn't hand our fundamental rights over to politicians." — Melissa Gruver, Indiana Task FORCE

 

LiveFree Indiana

"Public Question 1 will disproportionately impact Black and brown Hoosiers, low-income families and communities that already are under-resourced and over-policed. Expanding pretrial incarceration without trial means people will lose their jobs, housing and custody of their children before ever having their day in court. Real public safety comes from investing in affordable housing, mental health treatment and quality education—not locking up more members of our community without bail." — Josh Riddick, Live Free Indiana

 

Indiana State AFL-CIO

"Under current protections, bail restrictions are strictly limited, ensuring workers aren't arbitrarily detained. However, Question 1 expands the state’s authority to deny bail or set financial conditions that are completely out of reach. If passed, this constitutional amendment could easily be weaponized against working people on strike, on a picket line or engaging in workplace protests. It would create a chilling effect that severely undermines collective bargaining power and discourages workers from standing up against unfair employer practices." — Brett Voorhies, Indiana State AFL-CIO

 

In addition to the new paid digital media push, coalition partners have mobilized a statewide field and voter education effort. Nearly 148,000 Hoosiers have had a conversation by phone or on door by canvassers, and the movement has amassed almost 13,000 supporters who agreed to take action in their own communities.  

 

Coalition of Organizations Opposing Public Question 1

 

The growing statewide coalition united against Public Question 1 includes:

 

• Indiana Task FORCE

• LiveFree Indiana

• Indiana State AFL-CIO

• SEIU Healthcare Illinois Indiana

• Black Labor Week Project, Chapter of Gary, Indiana

• League of Women Voters Indiana

• Jewish Voices for Peace - Indiana

• Count Us IN

• ACLU of Indiana

• MADVoters

• Greater Lafayette Indivisible

• Muncie Resists

• Planned Parenthood Advocates Alliance Indiana

• Earth Charter Indiana

• Indivisible Central Indiana

• Michiana Alliance for Democracy

• Women 4 Change Indiana

• Hoosier Asian American Power

• Common Cause Indiana

• Voices 4 Democracy

 

About the Campaign

 

The coalition opposing Public Question 1 is committed to defending constitutional freedoms, preserving due process and advancing real public safety solutions for all Hoosiers. For more information on Public Question 1, visit ProtectHoosiers.com.