FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Logan Churchwell
media@truethevote.org

HOUSTON, TX. December 10, 2012 ― True the Vote (TTV), the nonpartisan election integrity organization, today commended the United States District Court of Indiana’s decision to deny dismissal motions offered by the State of Indiana – advancing TTV’s lawsuit to enforce voter roll maintenance to trial.

“This is excellent news for Americans concerned with the integrity of our elections,” True the Vote President Catherine Engelbrecht said. “Election officials, from local offices to secretaries of state, cannot wash their hands of the federal requirement to maintain accurate voter rolls for any reason. This decision should serve as clear evidence that citizens can and will hold our election system accountable.”

A key issue raised by Indiana in its failed attempt to dismiss the suit was True the Vote and Judicial Watch’s evidence that a dozen counties had more people registered to vote than legally eligible. The Court found that although 100+ percent voter registration is not illegal per se, the evidence does suggest a greater failure to maintain voter rolls as required by federal law.

True the Vote and Judicial Watch originally filed a lawsuit against Indiana Secretary of State Connie Lawson and Elections Division Co-Directors J. Bradley King and Trent Deckard after evidence showed they failed to maintain voter registration lists as required by Section 8 of the National Voter Registration Act. Federal records demonstrated that 12 counties had over 100 percent voter registration.

The State of Indiana sought to dismiss the lawsuit on a number of grounds – each was denied by William T. Lawrence, US District Court Judge.

“Today’s decision set a standard for private citizens wanting to make a difference,” Engelbrecht continued. “Bloated voter rolls are clear evidence that election officials are not doing the jobs they were hired to do. With this early victory, True the Vote will continue to expose and correct any instance of failure to maintain our voter rolls. Hopefully the parties can reach a settlement that fixes the problem and saves Indiana taxpayers from the needless cost of litigation.”

The lawsuit (Judicial Watch, et. al v. King, et. al (1:12-cv-00800)) will advance in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Indiana – Indianapolis Division.

True The Vote (TTV) a nonpartisan, nonprofit grassroots organization focused on preserving election integrity is operated by citizens for citizens, to inspire and equip volunteers for involvement at every stage of our electoral process. TTV empowers organizations and individuals across the nation to actively protect the rights of legitimate voters, regardless of their political party affiliation. For more information, please visit www.truethevote.org.