(INDIANAPOLIS) - Indiana Republican leaders are strengthening ties with the conservative organization Turning Point USA, including new initiatives involving state offices.
Secretary of State Diego Morales announced a voter registration partnership with Club America, a high school program affiliated with Turning Point USA. The effort will include voter registration drives at high schools and information about elections for students.
The partnership will also promote Indiana's "Hoosier Hall Pass" program, which allows eligible high school students to serve as poll workers on election day.
Morales said the effort is aimed at increasing civic participation among young voters.
Governor Mike Braun is also expected to make what his office described as a "significant announcement" alongside Turning Point leaders during an event at the Governor's Residence.
The push comes as Turning Point USA works to establish Club America chapters in high schools across the country. Republican leaders in several states have already supported similar efforts.
The partnership has drawn criticism from some voting rights advocates. Groups such as Common Cause Indiana and the ACLU of Indiana say the collaboration raises questions about neutrality when state offices partner with ideological organizations for voter outreach.
Turning Point USA was founded in 2012 by Charlie Kirk, whose death last year helped spark renewed efforts to expand the group's youth programs nationwide.