Democratic leaders in Indiana are preparing for a town hall that aims to address the absence of Republican lawmakers during this Congressional recess, sparking debate over constituent accessibility.

Holding Officials Accountable

Indiana House Minority Leader Phil GiaQuinta and State Rep. Kyle Miller are speaking out ahead of a town hall organized by Indivisible Northeast Indiana. The event, titled “A Town Hall With(out) Stutzman, Banks & Young,” is intended to highlight the lack of scheduled town halls by Republican officials in the region.

The event is set for Friday from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in Meeting Room A at the Allen County Public Library’s main branch, 900 Library Plaza.

Republicans Respond—or Don’t

21Alive News reached out to U.S. Sens. Jim Banks and Todd Young for comment. Banks did not respond. Young’s office provided a statement but did not confirm any upcoming town halls.

“Senator Young regularly meets with Hoosiers in a variety of formats, including attending meetings and events across Indiana, hosting constituent coffees, and holding virtual meetings with Hoosier groups when the Senate is in session,” his spokesperson stated.

Young’s office did not answer whether he has any currently scheduled town halls.

A Growing Divide Over Public Engagement

The absence of formal town halls by certain elected officials has become a recurring point of contention. Some argue that virtual meetings and small-group gatherings are sufficient. Others believe direct, in-person engagement with large audiences remains a fundamental part of democracy.

• Supporters of the “empty chair” concept say it forces attention on unresponsive representatives.
• Critics call it political theater and argue that officials have multiple ways to engage with voters.

Meanwhile, 21Alive anchor Linda Jackson is set to interview Third District Rep. Marlin Stutzman on Friday, offering a potential response from at least one of the absent lawmakers.

Event Details

Indivisible Northeast Indiana’s event is expected to draw a mix of supporters and critics as public officials continue to face pressure over accessibility and accountability.