Indiana Leaders Hold Town Halls Amid Special Session Plans on Controversial Redistricting

Indiana is preparing for a special legislative session called by Governor Mike Braun to redraw the state's congressional boundaries, a move that has stirred concern among residents and lawmakers about potential partisan gerrymandering favoring President Donald Trump. State Representative Alex Burton and former Senator Joe Donnelly hosted a town hall in Evansville to discuss the issue and hear from constituents who described the current redistricting process as rushed and frustrating. Donnelly emphasized that elected officials should prioritize the interests of Hoosiers over political pressures from Washington or the Governor's office. State Representative Matt Pierce also warned that national influences might push a hasty, partisan redistricting effort, urging voters to stay engaged. Nonpartisan groups like ReCenter Indiana and the League of Women Voters are organizing educational sessions to inform the public and encourage civic participation to combat partisan redistricting. The special session's start date is uncertain but is expected around mid-November, with broad calls for voter involvement to influence the process.