Several candidates for a spot on the IU Board of Trustees are yelling foul after ballots went out three weeks ahead of schedule, saying it gave an unfair advantage to the incumbent.

1. To: Jay Asdell
Connor Caudill
Philip Eskew
Robert Forste
Jefferson Shreve
Donna Spears
Craig Wells
From: Carolyn Walters, Ruth Lilly Dean of University Libraries
Date: May 22, 2018
________________________________________________________________________________________________________
I write today to address concerns some of you have expressed about the arrival of Board of
Trustee election paper ballots before the expected June 1 date. We take your concerns very
seriously and regret any consternation this has caused.
This year paper ballots arrived in mailboxes sooner than the June 1 date noted on the
election website because it took less time to prepare the ballots than anticipated and the
mailing went out when the printing was finished. My office became aware of the expedited
mailing on May 14, when completed paper ballots began arriving in the mail. We can see
how a literal interpretation of the June 1 date listed on the website could cause some to
assume that paper ballots arrive at all addresses on this date.
This year, 3,081 paper ballots were mailed to individuals who have voted by paper ballot in
any Trustee election in the last three years. Additional ballots are mailed to any IU graduate
who requests one. Twenty paper ballots were requested last year. The mailing contains the
ballot and a handout with a photo and 300 word statement from each candidate. The
instructions also list the link to the election website, live at the time of mailing, with
candidate photos and 800 word statements. As of May 21, 1,391 paper ballots have been
received, primarily from Indiana addresses. In 2017, 10,268 alumni voted; 8,036
electronically and 2,232 on paper. In past elections, most of the paper ballots arrive within
the first week with the rest following the last week in June.
Some of you have expressed concern that early arrival of the paper ballots favors the
incumbent and proposed that ballots from the initial mailing be voided and a new ballot
mailing be issued. We have heard that some of you have planned campaigns to launch June
1 to coincide with the opening of the election. We have carefully listened to these concerns
and respect the passionate arguments for a new ballot mailing.

2. After a review of statutes and practices related to the election, we have determined that
ballots from the initial mailing will be accepted. There will not be a new mailing. The
mailing complies with state law governing the election. Indiana statutes provide that the
Dean of Libraries may send a list of candidates to alumni “after April 1, but not later than
June 1.”
No candidate was given an unfair advantage because the paper ballots went out before June
1. As indicated above, the mailing includes candidate information presented in a consistent
and fair manner to all voters. Great care is taken to ensure all candidates are represented
accurately and no candidate is given a particular advantage over others. Ample information
is available for voters to make an informed decision.
There is inconclusive evidence on whether candidate electioneering and Indiana University
Alumni Magazine articles influence the outcome of the election. If anything, the Magazine
article and other initiatives of the IU Alumni Association appear to drive overall
participation.
June 1 remains the date when the University will launch efforts to encourage voter
participation in the election, which is an online election for the thousands of alumni who
participate. Indeed, paper ballots are a declining form of voting. Candidates have the
greatest opportunity to influence the election from June 1 to June 30, given this is the period
when electronic voting is available 24 hours a day throughout the election.
We appreciate the commitment and passion of each person running for election to the
Board of Trustees and wish you all well in your campaign to win an opportunity to serve as
Trustee of Indiana University.
cc: J T. Forbes, Chief Executive Officer, Indiana University Alumni Association
Debbie Lemon, Secretary, Board of Trustees, Indiana University