ACLU Challenging Law Prohibiting Sex Offenders From Entering Schools To Vote

BLOOMINGTON -- The American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana has filed a class action lawsuit challenging a law that prohibits sex offenders from entering schools to vote.

The ACLU filed the suit on behalf of a Blackford County man whose polling place is on school property. Attorney Jan Mensz argues the new law that says sex offenders should vote via an absentee ballot is unconstitutional.

"The problem with voting absentee is that there are very strict deadlines, it’s a much more arduous procedure," Mensz said. "You have to apply for a ballot, you have to get the ballot in time, you have to send it back in time, among many other potential areas where your vote might not get counted."

The ACLU estimates hundreds of sex offenders could be impacted by the law.

School children are not permitted in polling areas unless accompanied by adult voters.