Legislation headed to the full Senate aims to protect poll workers while they’re doing their jobs by making a slight expansion to existing law.

Current law makes it a Level 6 felony to obstruct, interfere with or injure an election officer while they’re on the job. But that law doesn’t necessarily cover everyone who’s working or volunteering at the polling place.

SB 170, unanimously approved by a Senate committee, makes sure all those people are included. Indiana Clerks Association President Nicole Browne said that protection is necessary.

“Current and experienced poll workers are experiencing concerns for their personal safety and well-being at a time when we are preparing for what is likely to be history’s biggest election to date,” Browne said.

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Level 6 felonies carry a sentence of between six months and two-and-a-half years, along with a fine of up to $10,000.

Brandon is our Statehouse bureau chief. Contact him at bsmith@ipbs.org or follow him on Twitter at @brandonjsmith5.