INDIANAPOLIS (WRTV) The Indiana Black Legislative Caucus kicked off its 2026 interim town hall series at the Julia M. Carson Government Center in Indianapolis on Saturday.We had a great turnout, Democratic State Representative Earl L. Harris Jr said, one of the events panelists. I was happy to see so many people here.The panelists, all state lawmakers from throughout Indiana, took turns highlighting legislation they consider impactful both positive and negative for Indianas Black community.Its important for us to talk to the people that put us in office and share with them legislation that passed during the session, legislation thats going to impact pretty much every part of their life, Harris said.For Harris, a key issue is protecting voters rights for minorities. He says these rights can be protected by staunch advocacy from citizens.You cant hide during an election year, Harris said. You have to get out at community events, debates, show up, talk to the reps running for office or that are in office, talk to the senators. Let them know the importance of protecting voter rights and not destroying minority and women voices.Democratic State Senator Greg Taylor agrees, saying the Supreme Courts recent ruling in the Louisiana v. Callais case, in which the court declared a Louisiana congressional map unconstitutional, is a step toward voting rights being taken away.Theres going to be a significant dilution of the minority vote in this country, Taylor said. These types of actions are things that we thought we had left behind in the 1960s.Both Harris and Taylor saying the best tool for voters to protect themselves, is voting itself.Taylors message is: Go vote. Thats it.If you are of age and can vote, register, and make sure in November, you get out there and vote, Harris said. Your vote is your voice and it means so much. Dont give it away for nothing.There are seven remaining IBLC Town Halls this year, and they are all open to the public. ...read more read less