MS. SHERI LYNN HIMES
FORRI LYNN HIMES
FOR TREASURER

Democrats must confront the voter turnout crisis directly.

My vision is to inspire hope and lead those who feel disconnected from the party toward a stronger relationship.

Here’s my story: I am from working-class Indianapolis, having grown up near 38th Street, not far from the fairgrounds. I am a proud product of Indianapolis Public Schools and a Broad Ripple High School Rocket.

My parents were people of deep faith and love. As they aged and needed my support, it was a privilege to care for them during their health challenges and golden years. 

I spent my professional career in film production in Chicago, where I first learned about Barack Obama during his campaign for the US Senate. By 2007, I was back home in Indiana and volunteered for presidential candidate Barack Obama by registering voters outside Walmart on Keystone.

After averaging 200 paper applications daily, I transitioned from a volunteer to an Obama for America staffer, helping turn Indiana Blue!

After the Obama campaign, I wanted to get more involved with the Marion County Democratic Party. I was eager to help create positive change; however, I struggled to find a way to leverage my experience. Identifying a party member willing to incorporate someone with my campaign background into a role within our local party was difficult.

So, I moved on to pursue other interests. During this time, I helped raise my niece and participated in various community organizations, including PTSA, Girl Scouts, and Keep Indiana Beautiful.

The 2024 Election: Two Saturdays before the November election, I volunteered at a Get Out The Vote rally at Frederick Douglass Park in preparation for electing VP Kamala Harris.

I was disheartened that while our party met in the gym, preaching to the choir, many residents in my neighborhood were unaware of or uninterested in our Get Out The Vote effort.

Had there been enough outreach to surrounding communities?

Were there sufficient volunteers or technological tools to inform residents of the opportunity to meet local leaders?

Had enough been done to engage working-class people in the election?

Were residents even planning to vote for VP Kamala Harris?

Looking back, I realized that we failed to meet the moment. This experience highlighted why Indianapolis, a heavily democratic city, had the lowest voter turnout in the state.

Alongside other members on my ticket, I am committed to transforming the Marion County Democratic Party under our slogan, “Turn Out Indy.” We have four main commitments: 

• Transformation of the Marion County Democratic Party 

• Training and Supporting Our Grassroots Activists 

• Utilizing the talents of our members. No Gatekeeping! 

• Transparency and accessibility.

Increasing voter turnout in Indianapolis can reclaim Indiana and defeat Trumpism. I would be honored to have your vote on Saturday, Morning, March 1.