In Indianapolis, most eviction cases are heard by township small claims court judges. While small claims courts hear a variety of cases, in Indianapolis nearly 85% of the cases are eviction related. The judges in each township are elected officials and are on the ballot for the November 3rd election. While most are running unopposed, it’s critical that we know who they are and that they are elected to serve their township, and accountable to their respective communities. Most voters have no idea that the name on the ballot for their township represents someone with inordinate power to keep someone housed or move them into the spiral of insecure housing that often results in homelessness.

While most Township Judges make best efforts to be fair, practice among courts varies drastically. As Indy Star reporter Ko Lyn Cheang reported in her December 2023 article, If you're evicted in Indy, you might have a few weeks to move out. Or you might have a few days. We want to know why someone in one part of Indianapolis has a vastly different experience in eviction court than another.

Join us and moderator Retired Marion Superior Court Judge Mark Jones for this forum and discussion.