Public Question 2Where city and town court judges may live
Read the full text of the measure: official sample ballot (PDF)
In plain words
Lets city and town court judges live outside the city or town where their court sits. (in.gov )
Before and after
| Today | If YES wins | |
|---|---|---|
| What the rule is | A city or town court judge must live in that city or town. | The judge could live in the county where the court is located, or in the bordering county closest to that city or town. |
Numbers from the official ballot title (ballot title ); also see
Example
Illustration only: a lawyer lives just outside a small town. Under a YES result, the lawyer could serve as that town's court judge without moving into town limits. (in.gov )
Biggest change
- Judge may live in the county where the court sits source: in.gov
- Or in the nearest bordering county source: in.gov
Who it affects most: Small towns and rural areas with town courts; lawyers who might serve as judges.
Cost to the state: No official fiscal statement found.
Our plain-words summary. Every line points to its source.
What your vote means
Allows city and town court judges to live in the county or the nearest bordering county.
Keeps the rule that the judge must live in the city or town.
Our one-line summary. Indiana does not publish an official "what your vote means" statement; the ballot title above is the official description.
Why people want it, and why others object
Why this is on the ballot
The Legislature put this on the ballot. It changes the state constitution, so only another statewide vote can change it back. It passes with a majority of the votes cast on it.
- Passed unanimously in 2023 (HJR 6) and again in 2025 (HJR 1: House 81-7, Senate 43-3). House Enrolled Act 1019 (P.L. 18-2026) set the ballot language. source: in.gov
Why supporters want it
- Rep. Michael Aylesworth (sponsor): "Lawyers who could later serve as judges have become increasingly scarce in more rural areas of the state." (Ballotpedia News) source: in.gov
Why opponents object
No public statement found.
Who backs each side
- Rep. Michael Aylesworth (R) source: in.gov
In each side's own words where we could find them, quoted or summarized with a link to the source. We don't endorse either side.
What you will see on your ballot
Official ballot wording, word for word (tap to open)
The official ballot title, word for word from the official county sample ballot .
Shall the Constitution of the State of Indiana be amended to permit the judge of a city or town court to reside in: (1) the county in which the court is located; or (2) the bordering county closest to the city or town in which the court is located?
(This question concerns Article 6, Section 6 of the Constitution of the State of Indiana.)
YES
NO
Latest news
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Full text of the measure
Read it in the official sample ballot (PDF) .
Read more
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