MADVOICES BLOG

Welcome Writers!

MADVoices is our blog featuring essays published by MADVoters from around the state. You can submit an essay for consideration to MADVoices, as well as find resources to write a Letter to the Editor to your local paper.

Submit your essay to MADVoices

WRITING TIPS

Determine your audience. If you'd like to submit an essay to MADVoices to be shared on our socials and website, please send it to contact@madvoters.org. Essays should be an original composition focused on Indiana-specific issues or policies. If you'd like to submit your essay as a Letter to the Editor of your local paper, you will need to follow your paper's specific guidelines, and you may need to edit your letter to shorten it. Most LTEs are no more than 300 words. Look up your local paper here.
Choose a topic. Keep your essay focused on one topic or issue. Identify the three main points you plan to make with your essay.
Stay organized. Begin with a strong statement that clearly communicates your topic and your stance to the reader. Then, describe your first main point, including facts and other evidence that prove your point. Be sure to cite your sources. Repeat with the next main points. Finish with a call to action - what should happen to resolve this issue?
- Find more writing resources from The Op-Ed Project.

The opinions expressed in MADVoices may not necessarily be the views of MADVoters.

Another Wrong Note for Lt. Gov. Micah Beckwith.

In his latest attempt to deflect the problems in his church, Indiana’s own lieutenant governor, Micah Beckwith, has shared a post on social media demeaning a Hamilton county high school band program. That’s right, friends, the man who you thought couldn’t go lower continues to find new ways to make himself look ridiculous. And we can’t keep quietly letting him belittle our community. While I did not grow up in band, I did spend 6 years in orchestra, choir, and performing arts

Alyssa Roberts

Apr 23

Indiana’s credit rating gets too much credit

As of a March 5, 2026 announcement, Indiana has once again earned the highest possible rating, AAA, from credit-rating agency Fitch Ratings . This is the 17th year in a row that Indiana has received this rating from Fitch, according to an article on IN.gov . In fact, Indiana has a AAA rating from all three major credit rating agencies. Governor Mike Braun says of the credit rating, “It’s proof that conservative fiscal management delivers real results.” Secretary of the Indian

madvoters indiana

Apr 2

I just wanted to grieve. Indiana forced me to document my trauma for the state.

Editor's Note: Amber Dowd testified against SB 236 on Wednesday, 1/21/26 in the Senate Judiciary Committee. SB 236 would ban the possession, distribution, and mailing of abortion pills, and allow private citizens to sue people or organizations they believe have violated the ban, potentially collecting on a $100,000 bounty. The bill also requires Terminated Pregnancy Reports (TPRs) to be shared with the Inspector General of Indiana. Dozens of individuals, including physicians

Amber Dowd

Jan 23

ILEA’s Recommendation a Blow to Democracy for IPS

The future of Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS) is in jeopardy. A state-mandated commission recommended ending elected school boards in the IPS district, and with that, taxpayers’ voice and choice in governance. These recommendations would forever change the governance structure of IPS to match the charter schools’ model. Today, when an unelected corporate board not answerable to the duly elected school board operates a school in an IPS building, it is always known as a char

Wildstyle Paschall

Dec 29, 2025