Hamilton denounces special session to silence Hoosiers voters

Today, Oct. 27, Gov. Mike Braun signed a proclamation calling a special session for the General Assembly to convene on Monday, Nov. 3 to redraw Indiana’s congressional maps in the middle of the decade, to go into effect for next year’s midterm elections. This unprecedented action follows the General Assembly redrawing Indiana’s congressional maps in 2021 following the 2020 U.S. Census.  

While Braun has called this special session, there is no enforcement mechanism that requires the General Assembly to answer his call and pass new maps. The legislature may gavel in on Monday and then gavel back out without completing any new business. It can also take up business unrelated to Braun’s stated purpose for the session.

State Rep. Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis), House Democratic Caucus Chair, issued the following statement:

"Polling has made it very clear that voters across Indiana oppose mid-decade redistricting, yet here we are being summoned for an expensive special session that serves no public interest. After months of pressure from the political establishment, the governor has abandoned all respect for the will of the people.

“Republicans are aware that people are tired of their failed policies that have left working families struggling to make ends meet. Rather than redrawing maps to protect Washington insiders from the consequences of slashing healthcare and showering billionaires with tax breaks, we should be focused on helping Hoosiers that are struggling to afford utility bills, childcare and healthcare. 

“Our constituents elected us to be their voices at the Statehouse, not play political games to silence them. I'm hopeful that legislators from both parties will demonstrate the independence and common sense to reject this nakedly partisan scheme.”