IN THIS ISSUE
Saturday, October 7, 2006: Muslim Alliance of Indiana will host Annual Iftar at Islamic Center in Plainfield. It is an open invitation to all local families, Community leaders from all across Indiana and Political leaders.
Eric Holcomb (Governor Mitchell Daniels' Director of Intergovernmental Affairs), Melina Kennedy (Democratic Candidate for Marion County Prosecutor) and ISNA national leadership including newly elected ISNA President Dr. Ingrid Mattison will be attending the Iftar. This is excellent opportunity for community leaders to interact informally.
Saturday, November 11, 2006: Muslim Alliance of Indiana will hold 1st Economic Development Meeting for strategic planning at Holiday Inn Express in Martinsville, Indiana. Muslim Businesses from all across Indiana are invited.
The Muslim Alliance of Indiana (MAI) helped organize the second Annual Governor Iftar at the residence of Governor Mitch Daniels on Monday, September 25, 2006. Gov. Mitch Daniels reached out to more than 150 Muslims from across the state Monday night, welcoming them to his official residence for Iftar (a meal to end their daily fasting during Ramadan).
Shortly after sunset, the Muslim call to prayer rang out over the home's back garden in the voice of Henry Hane, an immigrant from Senegal. The Muslims followed that by breaking their daily fasts with dishes from three continents. Then they performed their ritual prayers in two tents in the backyard of the residence at 4750 N. Meridian St.
Daniels told the crowd, "All God's people are equal in his eyes. I am glad to welcome you to this home. You should think of this as your home." The audience of Muslims from every corner of the state embraced the hospitality and presented Daniels gifts ranging from books on Muslim sex education to a wooden box ornately decorated with calligraphy from Syria, which is home to Daniels' ancestors.
Ahmed ElHattab, acting director of the Plainfield-based Islamic Society of North America, said the governor's words touched his heart. "His genuine message from the heart was very well received," he said.
Monday's iftar (the meals to break the daily fast are known), was the second hosted by Governor Daniels. Last year's Iftar at the Statehouse was a byproduct of contacts he made with the Muslim Alliance of Indiana during the 2004 election compaign. The Muslim Alliance of Indiana hosts an annual Iftar at the Islamic Center of Plainfield. The MAI invites community and political leaders across the state. In 2004, Mtich Daniels campaign responded to the invitation and sent Eric Holcomb to meet with over 500 Muslim attendees. In the meeting between the MAI leadership and Eric Holcomb prior to the Iftar, a number of issues were discussed. One of the understanding was that if elected, Governor Daniels would consider closer access to the Muslim community of Indiana. Few ideas included events like Muslim Day at the Statehouse, Governor's Iftar and regular meetings with the Governor office just to name a few. "Governor Daniels showed us he was a man of his word and has stood by the commitments he made during the 2004 pre-election Iftar," stated Alia Shah, Executive Director of MAI.
Local Muslims say such political connections are important if their concerns are to be heard in government. But faith, rather than politics, was the key topic Monday night -- the first iftar held at an Indiana governor's home. Several Muslim leaders called it historic.
"To be blessed to make prayer at the governor's residence is significant," said Michael Saahir, an imam from the Nur-Allah Islamic Center on the Northside. He said it is recognition of the contributions made by the estimated 250,000 Muslims in Indiana.
"It gives us a renewed spirit and a sense of belonging," said Dr. Ibad Ansari, a local cardiologist and president of the Muslim Alliance of Indiana.
Mary Ann Fadae, a Muslim professor of Islamic studies teaching at the Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, said it shows the governor sees Muslims as peace-loving people rather than as "radicals" so often depicted in media. "I think it sends an important message to the community that they are recognized and respected and that they are an important segment in the society," Fadae said.
Daniels told the several imams there that their work -- and that of other clergy -- deals with what is "really important," much more than the "temporary and trivial" he works with during the day. But he also mentioned his own preaching effort Sunday in his home church, Tabernacle Presbyterian. "We have different pathways. We read different books. But there is so much in common among those people who recognize a higher power and a greater purpose, and who recognize their own shortcomings and are trying to overcome them as best as mere mortals can."
The Muslim Alliance of Indiana (MAI) is a statewide organization that seeks to connect 280,000 Indiana Muslims to each other and the public leadership of Indiana. MAI has helped organize a number of events including the Muslim Day at the Statehouse, Governor Iftars, Muslim Alliance of Indiana Annual Iftar, 1st Annual Retreat and other special events. Each event has brought Muslims of Indiana from across the state that MAI has worked with over the years.
Time to eat: Gov. Mitch Daniels (center) offered some food Monday to Shabazz Aamir, president of the Islamic Center of Muncie. - Kelly Wilkinson / The Star
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About Ramadan
The ninth month on the Islamic calendar, Ramadan, is considered the holiest for Muslims.
History
Tradition says it was in that month -- around the 27th -- when the Quran was revealed to the prophet Muhammad through the archangel Gabriel. Muhammad recited the verses to scholars, who recorded them during the next 23 years.
Observance
From first light until sunset, Muslims abstain from food, drink and sexual relations. They also are supposed to avoid anger, speaking unkind words or other negative behaviors. Muslims pray more, read the Quran more and spend more time in the mosque during Ramadan. Frequently Muslims gather for communal meals to break the daily fast. Children, travelers and those whose health prohibits it are exempt from the fast.
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Gov. Mitch Daniels reached out to more than 150 Muslims from across the state Monday night, welcoming them to his official residence for a meal to end their daily fasting for Ramadan.
Shortly after sunset, the Muslim call to prayer rang out over the home's back garden in the voice of Henry Hane, an immigrant from Senegal.
The Muslims followed that by breaking their daily fasts with dishes from three continents. Then they performed their ritual prayers in two tents in the backyard of the residence at 4750 N. Meridian St.
Daniels told the crowd, "All God's people are equal in his eyes. I am glad to welcome you to this home. You should think of this as your home."
The audience of Muslims from every corner of the state embraced the hospitality and presented Daniels gifts ranging from books on Muslim sex education to a wooden box ornately decorated with calligraphy from Syria, which is home to Daniels' ancestors.
Ahmed ElHattab, acting director of the Plainfield-based Islamic Society of North America, said the governor's words touched his heart. "His genuine message from the heart was very well received," he said.
Monday's iftar, as the meals to break the daily fast are known, was the second hosted by Daniels. Last year's meal at the Statehouse was a byproduct of contacts he made with Muslims during the 2004 election season.
Local Muslims say such political connections are important if their concerns are to be heard in government. But faith, rather than politics, was the key topic Monday night -- the first iftar held at an Indiana governor's home. Several Muslim leaders called it historic.
"To be blessed to make prayer at the governor's residence is significant," said Michael Saahir, an imam from the Nur-Allah Islamic Center on the Northside. He said it is recognition of the contributions made by the estimated 250,000 Muslims in Indiana.
"It gives us a renewed spirit and a sense of belonging," said Dr. Ibad Ansari, a local cardiologist and president of the Muslim Alliance of Indiana.
Mary Ann Fadae, a Muslim professor of Islamic studies teaching at the Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis, said it shows the governor sees Muslims as peace-loving people rather than as "radicals" so often depicted in media.
"I think it sends an important message to the community that they are recognized and respected and that they are an important segment in the society," Fadae said.
Daniels told the several imams there that their work -- and that of other clergy -- deals with what is "really important," much more than the "temporary and trivial" he works with during the day. But he also mentioned his own preaching effort Sunday in his home church, Tabernacle Presbyterian.
"We have different pathways. We read different books. But there is so much in common among those people who recognize a higher power and a greater purpose, and who recognize their own shortcomings and are trying to overcome them as best as mere mortals can."
Call Star reporter Robert King at (317) 444-6089.
As a physician, Dr. Shahid Athar is convinced that the daytime fasting Muslims observe during the month of Ramadan has some nice health benefits.
But as a Muslim, Athar is convinced that the practice has important benefits for the spirit.
"There is some degree of spirituality and tranquility," said Athar, who lives on the Far Northside and has written extensively on the benefits of Ramadan fasting.
For Muslims who are observant and healthy enough to participate, today marks the first day of Ramadan fasting. From first light until sunset, they avoid food, drink and sex in what is a yearly exercise in self-restraint. It is also an annual call to remember the poor.
Lower blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels have all been associated with fasting, according to Athar. But because the fasting is not total -- most Muslims rise before first light to eat a few bites and conclude the day with moderate eating -- nutritional levels can be maintained.
"It doesn't cost me any extra weakness," he said. "What happens is that the body gets adjusted initially, so it is a matter of habit." When the sun drops below the horizon, many Muslims choose to break their fasts together. Socially speaking, it fosters more community gatherings than any other time of the year.
Alia Shah, 27, said that as a child, she appreciated Ramadan primarily for the gifts and the feasts that come when it concludes with the Eid-ul-Fitr celebration. But as an adult, she has come to value the fasting aspect of Ramadan as an escape from the self-indulgences of everyday life.
"It is so cleansing," said Shah, who lives on the Northwestside. "It clears your mind because you feel like you are doing something for a higher purpose beyond yourself."
Ramadan marks the first revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad. Aside from fasting, it is a month when Muslims pray more and do more charity. Muslims believe the blessings for these activities are exponentially greater during this ninth month on their calendar.
Like their Jewish neighbors looking inward now during Rosh Hashana, Shah said Muslims also see Ramadan -- with its daily fasting -- as a time to examine themselves.
"It is kind of like a yearly review," she said. "Where have I been? Where have I gone? You start thinking about, how can I be better? How can I improve? What can I do to maintain this?"
Better than a 1000 Months :
[97:1] We revealed it (Quran) in the Night of Destiny.
[97:2] How awesome is the Night of Destiny!
[97:3] The Night of Destiny is better than a thousand months.
[97:4] The angels and the Spirit descend therein, by their Lord's leave, to carry out every command.
[97:5] Peaceful it is until the advent of the dawn.
"(Since) good and evil cannot be equal, repel (evil) with something that is better. (Then) you will
see that he with whom you had enmity, will become your close friend."
The Holy Qur'an 41:34
If you plan to visit the Islamic Society of Evansville's International Food Festival this weekend, be prepared for a crowd.
Organizers expect the fifth annual event, which will be at the society's Lincoln Avenue center from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, to attract about 2,000 hungry visitors. Last year's festival drew about 1,500.
"The first year, we were kind of flying by the seat of our pants," said Shari El-hih, one of the organizers.
"It seems to grow every year."
El-hih said the falafel, tabbouleh, kabobs, stuffed grape leaves, baklava and other homemade goodies lure more folks to the festival every year.
"They love the food, and they wait every year for us to have this," she said.
The event is a fundraiser for the Islamic Society, which will also donate a portion of festival proceeds to the Tri-State Food Bank.
But the festival isn't totally food-focused.
Visitors can also shop for clothing, jewelry, art and other items, have their hands decorated with henna designs, and receive tours of the Islamic Center. English translations of the Quran, Islam's holy book, will be given away while supplies last.
El-hih said the event gives Tri-State residents a chance to know their Muslim neighbors. About 250 families are affiliated with the Islamic Center, she said, and they represent a wide geographic area.
Members hail from more than a dozen countries in the Middle East, Asia, Central America - and from the United States.
"It's good to let people know that, that it's not just foreigners that are taking care of things here," said El-hih, an Evansville native.
This is with reference to Ramchandra Abhyankar's Sept. 28 letter, "We must defeat Islamo Fascism." To the Tribune-Star readers, Mr. Abhankar's obsession with Islam and his anti-Islam diatribe is well known. Let me share with Tribune-Star readers what an Israeli leader has to say about Islam.
The Israeli is Mr. Uri Avnery, a scholar and peace activist and once a Knesset member. In a recent article, Mr. Avnery says, "The treatment of other religions by Islam must be judged by a simple test: how did the Muslim rulers behave for more than a thousand years when they had the power to 'spread the faith by the sword'?"
For many centuries, he says, the Muslims ruled Greece. "Did the Greeks become Muslims? Did anyone try to Islamise them? On the contrary, Christian Greeks held the highest positions in the Ottoman administration.
"The Bulgarians, Serbs, Romanians, Hungarians and other European nations lived at one time or another under Ottoman rule and clung to their Christian faith. Nobody compelled them to become Muslims and all of them remained devoutly Christian."
Then he points to a fact which perhaps most Christians do not know. When the Crusaders invaded Palestine, the majority had remained Christian in spite of 400 years of Muslim rule. Then "in the name of gentle Jesus", he says, the Crusaders "massacred its Muslim and Jewish inhabitants".
He adds: "There is no evidence whatsoever of any attempt to impose Islam on Jews. As is well known, under Muslim rule, the Jews of Spain enjoyed a boom the like of which the Jews did not enjoy anywhere else until almost our time."
Then giving the names of some great Jewish poets and scholars, Mr. Avnery says, "In Muslim Spain, Jews were ministers, poets, and scientists" and "Christian, Jewish and Muslim scholars worked together and translated ancient Greek philosophical and scientific texts. That was indeed the Golden Age.
"How would this have been possible had the Prophet decreed the 'spreading of the faith by the sword'?" Then he refers to the re-conquest of Spain by Catholics and says: "The Jews and Muslims were presented with a cruel choice: to become Christians, to be massacred or to leave."
Then he asks, "Where did the hundreds of thousands of Jews … escape? Almost all of them were received with open arms in the Muslim countries. The Jews settled all over the Muslim world, from Morocco … to Iraq, from Bulgaria (then part of the Ottoman empire) … to Sudan. Nowhere were they persecuted. They knew nothing like the tortures of the Inquisition … and the terrible mass expulsions that took place in almost all Christian countries up to the Holocaust."
He asks, "Why?" and then he answers, "Because Islam expressly prohibited any persecution of 'peoples of the book'. In Islamic society, a special place was reserved for Jews and Christians …" Is this fascism?
Then he says something touching: "Every honest Jew who knows the history of his people cannot but feel a deep sense of gratitude to Islam, which has protected the Jews for 50 generations, while the Christian world persecuted the Jews and tried many times 'by the word' to get them to abandon their faith".
The story about "spreading the faith by the sword", he says "is an evil legend, one of the myths that grew up in Europe" during the many wars with Muslims.
Muslims are mindful that Islam shares common roots with both Judaism and Christianity - the belief in the God of Abraham, Old Testament prophets, and the virgin birth of Jesus, the Messiah.
The Muslims ruled India too for a thousand years but chose to remain a minority rather than become a majority by persecuting the Hindus. Even Delhi had a non-Muslim majority until the fall of the Mughal empire.
Compare all this with inequality by birth in the Hindu caste system, the Hindu practices of urine-drinking, female infanticide, bride-killings for the sake of dowry, burning alive of widows (Sati), and the recent genocide of Muslims in Gujarat, readers will realize why Mr. Abhyankar has an anti-Muslim agenda.
Khwaja A. Hasan
Professor Emeritus of Anthropology
Indiana State University
Formerly of Terre Haute, Indiana
Wadsworth, Ill.
39 cents version of Eid Stamps will be released on October 7, 2006 for sale at post offices. It may take a few days to get them at all the branches.
You may ask for the Eid Stamps to ensure their popularity.
The Ramadan section of Legacy Institute website is now available. The direct link is:
www.legacyin.org/ramadan
The Ramadan Reflections halaqah series by Shaykh Tewfik Choukri are being given every Friday and Saturday evenings after Taraweeh prayers at Masjid Al-Fajr (2846 Cold Spring Rd Indianapolis, IN).
The audio will be available online for listening within a few hours after each halaqah.
In addition, the Inner Dimensions of Fasting lectures is posted on the website as well.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact.
Legacy Institute
9721 Kincaid Dr
Fishers, IN 46038
317-842-7300
info@legacyin.org
www.legacyin.org
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Control of House could hinge on these state races
Indiana Democrats and Republicans are closely watching the following contests, which are expected to make the difference in which party is in power, and who controls the House agenda.
- District 86
- · Counties: Marion and Hamilton.
- · Candidates: Rep. David Orentlicher, D-Indianapolis, narrowly won this seat in 2002 by only 37 votes, but he more easily won by nearly 2,000 votes in 2004. He's being challenged by Republican Kathryn Densborn, a real estate marketer.
- District 64
- · Counties: Daviess, Gibson, Knox.
- · Candidates: Rep. Troy A. Woodruff, R-Vincennes, won by only 188 votes in this district in 2004. He's being challenged by Democrat Kreg Battles, a teacher, and Libertarian J.A. Thomas, a factory worker.
- District 46
- · Counties: Clay, Monroe, Owen, Vigo.
- · Candidates: Rep. Vern Tincher, D-Riley, has been in and out of office in recent years, losing in 1994 but winning the seat back two years later and losing again in 2002, only to win in 2004. He's being challenged by Republican Reid Dallas, a pharmaceutical salesman.
- District 69
- · Counties: Jefferson, Jennings, Ripley.
- · Candidates: Rep. Billy Bright, R-North Vernon, won this seat, which had usually been held by Democrats, in 2004. He's challenged by Democrat David Cheatham, a retired high school teacher who was elected state representative in this district from 1984 to 1992.
- District 70
- · Counties: Clark, Floyd, Harrison.
- · Candidates: Rep. Paul J. Robertson, D-Depauw, has represented this district since 1978, but the demographics are changing as the area becomes more Republican. He's challenged by Republican attorney Christopher Byrd.
- District 52
- · Counties: LaGrange, Noble, DeKalb.
- · Candidates: Rep. Marlin Stutzman, R-Howe, represents this strong Republican district, where people nonetheless have previously elected a Democrat to the legislature. He's being challenged by former LaGrange County Democratic Chairman Dennis Rorick.
- District 20
- · Counties: LaPorte, Porter, Jasper, Pulaski.
- · Candidates: Republican Tom Dermody, a LaPorte businessman, defeated Rep. Mary Kay Budak, R-LaPorte, in the primary. He's challenged by Democrat Andrea Renner, a LaPorte City Council member, and Libertarian Gregory Kelver, Union Mills.
- District 21
- · Counties: Elkhart, St. Joseph.
- · Candidates: Rep. Jackie Walorski, R-Lakeville, is being challenged by Democrat Robert Kovach, a former state senator and Mishawaka mayor.
- District 17
- · Counties: LaPorte, Marshall, Starke.
- · Candidates: Rep. Steve Heim, R-Culver, is being challenged by Democrat Nancy Dembowski, a former Knox mayor and state senator.
- District 33
- · Counties: Delaware, Jay, Randolph.
- · Candidates: Rep. Bill J. Davis, R-Portland, is in a rematch with former Rep. Ronald Liggett, D-Redkey, whom he beat by about 2,400 votes in 2004.
- District 30
- · County: Howard.
- · Candidates: Rep. John E. Smith, R-Kokomo, is in a rematch with former Rep. Ron Herrell, D-Kokomo, whom he beat by 1,119 votes in 2004.
- District 31
- · Counties: Blackford, Grant.
- · Candidates: Rep. Tim Harris, R-Marion, is in a rematch with Blackford County Commissioner Larry Hile, whom he beat by only 150 votes in 2004.
Want to vote? Better register soon
Oct. 10 is the last day to register to vote in the Nov. 7 general election.
· Registering: You can register in person by the close of business Oct. 10 at your county voter registration office, county clerk's office or any Bureau of Motor Vehicles license branch. Mailed-in registrations must be post-marked by Oct. 10.
· Forms: Voter registration forms and instructions for submitting them are available on the secretary of state's Web site, www.sos .in.gov. Forms also are available at many government offices; however, voters should note that Oct. 9 is Columbus Day, and many government offices may be closed.
· To check: For the first time in an Indiana general election cycle, Hoosiers can check their registration status, find their polling location and more by visiting www.indianavoters.com.
· Absentee: Oct. 10 is also the first day to vote in Indiana by absentee ballot before an absentee voter board in the office of the county clerk or board of elections and registration.
Mary Beth Schneider
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VINCENNES, Ind. -- Republicans are teetering on the edge of losing control of the Indiana House, and voters like Carolyn Barnes are one reason why.
Two years ago, the Vincennes resident's vote for Republican Troy A. Woodruff helped him eke out a victory over the Democratic incumbent state representative by fewer than 200 votes.
But the 70-year-old Barnes said she won't do that again. Woodruff switched his vote in 2005 to put Indiana on daylight-saving time. She said that's all she needs to know.
When Woodruff's Democratic challenger, Kreg Battles, showed up at her doorstep last week asking if she had any questions about his candidacy, she said:
"No, because I'm going to vote for you. You'd do as well or better as the one we have now."
Indiana Democrats say voters' enduring anger over the time change, as well as the leasing of the Indiana Toll Road to foreign investors, can help them end the Republicans' slim 52-48 majority in the Indiana House.
The party that wins at least 51 seats will have a key voice in determining how state money is spent in next year's budget and in controversial issues including changing the state constitution to ban same-sex marriage and the further privatization of state government.
In that fight, Woodruff has been the Democrats' top target ever since he cast his vote to support Gov. Mitch Daniels on daylight-saving time.
Battles said he isn't counting on the time issue alone. He and his supporters have knocked on 17,000 doors in House District 64 in southwestern Indiana and are revisiting neighborhoods to reach people who were undecided before.
He's emphasizing his own resume as a Sunday school teacher, church deacon, high school chemistry teacher and coach. And as he chatted with people on their doorsteps, he talked about property tax relief and improving education -- issues most legislative candidates talk about.
But at each home, he also left a pamphlet that tells folks he "opposes foreign ownership of Hoosier roads" and reminds them that Woodruff voted for the Toll Road lease. The pamphlet says he'll keep his word, while accusing Woodruff of "breaking his promise" on daylight-saving time.
At the Mouzin Barber Shop in Vincennes, a state map on the wall is marked with the time zones to help customers. Nearby Illinois is on Central Time, and the adoption of daylight-saving time is changing all the rules residents have used to tell time, whether they're in Indiana or Illinois.
Barber Larry Mouzin, asked whom he will support for state representative said bluntly: "Not Woodruff."
"He said he wouldn't vote for it. Then, whammo!" Mouzin said.
Woodruff, wearing his blue-and-white "Re-Elect Troy Woodruff" T-shirt, was also knocking on doors last week in a precinct he won in the last election.
He talked about efforts to bring jobs to Indiana, balancing the state budget and -- what he says is the No. 1 issue people are concerned about -- illegal immigration.
Woodruff, a district representative for U.S. Rep. John Hostettler, R-Evansville, said he believes he did the right thing when he voted for daylight-saving time, though he laments having promised not to.
"I should have handled DST differently; I do regret that," he said.
Still, Woodruff doesn't think he was untruthful to constituents.
"I think I did exactly what people wanted me to. I said (during the 2004 election) that if you wanted the status quo, you should not vote for me, because I'm going to change things."
The Daniels factor
For other voters throughout the state, the issue is Daniels. At the White Steamer diner in Washington, east of Vincennes, finding someone with a good opinion of the Republican governor was harder than finding a low-cholesterol option on the breakfast menu.
He won 60 percent of the county's vote in the 2004 election. But would he win there again?
"No!" waitress Shirley Brewer said as she refilled coffee for Don Eaton.
Eaton, 69, is concerned about illegal immigration, an issue Republicans are pounding as they try to hold on to the Indiana House and U.S. Congress.
But the issue is a double-edged sword, and Eaton shows why. He doesn't think Republicans in Washington have done enough to secure the borders, and he doesn't like handing over the Indiana Toll Road to foreign management.
Asked his views on Daniels, Eaton, a Republican, said: "How much time do you have?"
He expects to vote for Democratic state Rep. Dave Crooks in House District 63. Crooks' ad running that day on the radio stations he owns promised he wouldn't be a "rubber stamp" for Daniels.
Republicans have targeted Crooks, a Democrat in Republican-dominated Daviess County, who aggressively opposed the time change and the Toll Road lease. But there are hundreds of Crooks yard signs in the district, and it's difficult to find one for his Republican opponent, local economic development official Ron Arnold.
While Crooks was out campaigning last week, Arnold was on vacation.
A bright spot?
Across the state in southeastern Indiana, state Rep. Billy Bright, R-North Vernon, is in a close race against his former high school government teacher, Democrat David Cheatham, who also is a former legislator who represented the district from 1984 to 1992.
One sign of how important House District 69 is to Republicans could be seen last week in Bright's own driveway -- several cars, including two with license plates from Texas and Kentucky, are parked there. They belong to a dozen volunteers sent by the House Republican Committee from Indianapolis to do a "blitz" door-to-door campaign swing through the district, Bright said.
Like Woodruff, Bright said the top issue is illegal immigration.
He promised to push for legislation to ensure illegal immigrants don't get any taxpayer-funded help and are deported whenever possible.
That day, Cheatham was taping a series of radio ads for his campaign, focusing on education, including his support for full-day kindergarten, and lowering property taxes. His overall campaign theme echoes the same theme that Democrats like Crooks and Battles have put forth: Republicans haven't listened, and Democrats will.
Bright, he said, didn't vote the wishes of his constituents when he voted for the Toll Road and daylight-saving time.
Daylight-saving time came up for a vote when Cheatham was in the House, he said. The majority of people in the counties he represented didn't want it.
"I voted no," he said. "It was a very easy vote."
Political leaders are quick to point out that House races often turn on local issues, not state issues.
But whether voters focus on what the legislature did last year, or what lawmakers want to do next year, the next month could be critical in determining who controls the House.
Call Star reporter Mary Beth Schneider at (317) 444-2772.
With the November 7th General Election fast approaching, you may be wondering how the new Indiana photo ID law will affect you as a Hoosier voter.
The ID must:
- Display the voter's photo
- Display the voter's name, and the name must conform with the voter registration record (Conform does not mean identical)
- Contain an expiration date and either be current or have expired after the date of the most recent General Election, November 2, 2004.
- Be issued by either the State of Indiana or U.S. government
In most cases, an Indiana driver's license, Indiana photo ID card, US Passport, or Military ID is sufficient.
Voters who do not have a valid photo ID can obtain an Indiana photo ID free of charge from any BMV license branch that issues drivers' licenses and ID cards. For further information please visit the website www.photoid.in.gov.
Though the BMV will issue drivers licenses without a photo if requested for religious reasons, these cards will not work for the photo ID requirement at the polls. However, an exemption to the photo ID law exists which excuses voters with a religious objection to being photographed from presenting photo ID when casting a ballot at the polls. A voter in this situation will simply need to vote using a provisional ballot on Election Day, and sign an affidavit affirming this exemption applies to them within 10 days of the election. Naturally, this exemption also extends to voters who have an objection to being photographed with their face and hair uncovered. Exemptions also apply to those living in state licensed facilities that also act as that precinct's polling place.
For many people, an alternative to voting at the polls on Election Day, is voting by absentee ballot. Anyone can vote absentee in person in the 30 days prior to the election at the county clerk's office. Additionally, anyone who meets any of the following conditions may apply to vote absentee-by-mail, and thus, is not required to show ID:
- The voter is at least 65 years of age.
- The voter has a disability.
- The voter is confined due to illness or injury or will be caring for an individual confined due to illness or injury during the entire 12 hours that the polls are open.
- The voter has a specific, reasonable expectation that he or she will be absent from the county on Election Day during the entire 12 hours that the polls are open (6 am until 6 pm).
- The voter will have official election duties outside of his or her voting precinct.
- The voter is scheduled to work at his or her regular place of employment during the entire 12 hours that the polls are open.
- The voter is prevented from voting because of a religious discipline or religious holiday during the entire 12 hours that the polls are open.
- The voter is a participant in the state's address confidentiality program.
For more information on these topics and other election issues please visit the Secretary of State's website, www.sos.in.gov/elections or call 1-866-IN-1-VOTE (866-461-8683).
Julia Bauler
HAVA Education and Outreach Director
Indiana Secretary of State, Todd Rokita
302 West Washington, E-111
Indianapolis, IN 46204
jbauler@sos.in.gov
Phone:317-232-6541
Fax: 317-233-3675
For the first time ever in an Indiana General Election cycle, Hoosiers can check their registration status, find their polling location, and more by visiting www.IndianaVoters.com. The ability to do so was made possible with the implementation of Indiana's first-ever, statewide voter file system linking together all 92 Indiana counties with several key state agencies.
Residents of other states currently in Indiana but planning to vote elsewhere can check their registration and voting information by using the NASS "Can I Vote?" web resource found at www.canivote.org. The NASS site is a useful tool for out-of-state voters who want to locate their polling place, find out what the deadline is to register to vote in their state, and generally prepare for casting their ballots on Election Day.
What is Absentee Voting?
- Voting by mail prior to the election due to one of the reasons below: (option "A" on the absentee form)
- If you are a senior at least 65 years of age
- If you expect to be absent from the country on Election Day, November 7th.
- If a physical disability, official election duties or work obligations could prevent you from going to the polls.
- Your County election board will then mail your official absentee ballot to you.
Vote by Mail Absentee Application Form
- Deadline: Your County Clerk must receive your application by midnight on October 30, 2006.
- Deadline: Your County Clerk must receive your ballot by noon on November 6, 2006.
- Voting early at your County Courthouse for any reason. (option "B" on the absentee form)
Vote In Person Absentee Application Form
Absentee In Office Voting is October 9th - November 6th
Deadline: You must vote in person at your County Clerk's Office by noon on November 6, 2006.
Voting by Traveling Board due to one of the reasons below: (option "C" on the absentee form)
- If you will be confined due to illness or injury.
- If you will be caring for a confined person at a private residence on Election Day, November 7th.
- If you are a voter with disabilities and believe your polling place is not accessible to you.
Traveling Board Voting is October 26th - November 6th.
Vote by Traveling Board Absentee Application Form
How do I apply to vote absentee?
- Complete the absentee form.
- Mark the box indicating the reason you are applying to vote absentee.
- Sign and date your request.
- Stamp and mail your request to your County Clerk's office.
Click Here for a list of County Clerk Offices and Hours of Operation
Register to Vote today for the November 7th Election
The General Election is November 7th and the deadline to register to vote is quickly approaching.
Please take a few minutes today to make sure you and your family members are registered to vote.
- Have you recently moved?
- Have you recently changed your name?
- Did you turn 18 in the past year?
- Do you have any family or friends that need to be registered?
If you answered yes to any of these questions then you need to register to vote!
Don't pass up your chance to make an impact in your community, state and country. Register today for the November election!
MUSLIM ALLIANCE OF INDIANA is dedicated to empower Muslims through social engagement and developing awareness of public issues among Muslims and connecting 280,000 Muslim Hoosiers with the leadership.
To learn more about past activities and accomplishments, please visit at www.muslimalliancein.com
To be involved with MAI mission, please contact muslimalliancein@yahoo.com
To strengthen and disseminate the vision, please forward this message to others in Indiana or send email list to muslimalliancein@yahoo.com
This is intended for Muslim Hoosiers and friends promoting peace and harmony, mutual respect and making Indiana strong. If you want to be off this list, please advise.
Thank you.
