Hoosiers Vote to Change Bail, Judge Residency Rules

Hoosiers made their choice on two constitutional amendments on Tuesday

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INDIANAPOLIS - Indiana voters chose 'Yes' on the ratification of two state constitutional amendments during Tuesday's General Election. 

Under current law, a person charged with murder or treason is not entitled to be released on bail if the proof is evident or the presumption is strong. 

Voters were asked if the State Constitution should be amended to provide that a person charged with an offense other than murder or treason is not entitled to bail if: (1) the proof is evident or the presumption strong; and (2) the state proves by clear and convincing evidence that no release conditions will reasonably protect the safety of any other person or the community.

Nearly 60 percent of voters were in favor of the changes with 855,634 voting 'Yes'. 

Hoosiers were also asked to vote about where a city or town court judge may live. Currently, judges must currently reside in the city or town where they preside. With a majority of Hoosiers voting 'Yes' on this issue, city or town judges will be allowed to live in teh county in which the court is located or the bordering county closest to the city or town in which the court is located. 

Over 900,000 Hoosiers voted 'Yes' on this issue (63%).