One of the most important responsibilities legal professionals have is to use their specialized skills to aid the community through volunteer efforts. One volunteer opportunity that rightfully brings out civic pride is the work of legal professionals on the Marion County Election Board Inspector Hotline. This program has been run by Marion County Clerk Beth White since 2007 and it provides a non-partisan opportunity for attorneys to use their skills as legal problem solvers in aid of the electoral process.

The inspector hotline is used by election workers and voters to ask election law related questions and to report Election Day problems and issues. Hotline operators are given specialized training on relevant election laws and procedures prior to Election Day. Working on the inspector hotline also qualifies under traditional national standards for pro bono credit.

Hotline operators do not have to state a political party preference or be Marion County residents to volunteer. Volunteers will work with experienced hotline supervisors at the Election Board’s City-County Building offices on Election Day (May 8, 2012). To volunteer, interested attorneys should contact IndyBar Government Practice Section Chair Andy Mallon, who is legal counsel to the Marion County Election Board at amallon@dsvlaw.com or (317) 580-4848.•