(Indianapolis, IN) - Indiana's early voting period could be cut nearly in half under a proposal by Republican state lawmakers.

A Senate committee approved reducing early voting from 28 days to 16 days, saying it would save money and make elections easier to manage.  The change would take effect for this Spring's May primary.

Democrats and voting rights advocates argue it would lead to longer lines and hurt voter turnout.  The Indiana Democratic Party released this statement about the proposal now heading for consideration in the full Senate.

“This is a desperate, last-ditch attempt of a failing political party trying to hold onto power when they know they’ve lost the support of the people.”