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With early voting underway, Hoosiers can now cast their ballots through Tuesday, November 3, and vote on two proposed constitutional amendments. Before casting your ballot, take a few minutes to understand what one of these amendments would do and why it matters to workers.

Public Question #1

• Current Law: Under Indiana's current constitution (Article 1, Section 17), only people charged with murder or treason can be denied bail automatically if the proof is evident or the presumption strong.

• Proposed Change: A "yes" vote expands judicial power to deny bail or set bail that is financially out of reach for any offense if the state proves by clear and convincing evidence that no release conditions will protect community safety.
• Impact: If passed, this constitutional amendment could easily be weaponized against working people on strike, on a picket line, or engaging in workplace protests.
  • During labor disputes, employers routinely attempt to criminalize routine union activity by framing peaceful picketing or civil disobedience as offenses that trigger arrest.
  • Under Question 1, a worker arrested during a strike could be denied bail or held under unaffordable financial terms, taking workers away from their jobs, their work, and their livelihood.
  • This amendment creates a chilling effect that severely undermines our collective bargaining power and discourages workers from standing up against unfair employer practices.

USW District 7 opposes Public Question #1 as it would have negative impacts on workers.

Click here to check your registration status, voting location, and other election details.

For additional questions or ways to get involved in Rapid Response, contact Jerome Davison, USW District 7 Rapid Response Coordinator, at [email protected].