JEFFERSONVILLE, Indiana — The Clark County Election Board announced Tuesday night that it will not conduct a paper‑ballot review of four precincts in the closely watched Senate District 45 race. The decision comes amid questions raised by local Democrats about possible voting‑machine glitches on Election Day.
Current vote margin and certification timeline
Republican State Senator Chris Garten currently leads Democrat Nick Marshall by 297 votes, according to the latest unofficial count. While the race has not been officially called, the board’s refusal to revisit the ballots means the existing tally will stand unless a formal recount is requested.
Clark County officials have until Monday, Nov. 16, to certify the results. Candidates may file for a recount by Nov. 17 if they believe the margin warrants further scrutiny.
Alleged machine issue at Jeffersonville High School
The controversy centers on a voting machine at Jeffersonville High School. Clark County Republican Party Chair Fannie Broxon reported that a ballot became jammed, causing the machine to stop. According to her account, the machine’s memory card was subsequently transferred to a functioning unit to continue voting.
Democratic observers also raised concerns about procedures at two additional polling locations, though no specific irregularities were detailed.
Board’s rationale and candidate reactions
The board clarified that the proposed review would not constitute a recount for either candidate. Instead, it would have involved counting the paper ballots from the four precincts and comparing those totals to the electronic tallies already recorded.
Garten expressed confidence in the county’s election officials, stating, “I trust the process and the results that show me ahead. Voters deserve facts, not unfounded claims of problems.” He urged the public to focus on verified information rather than speculation.
Marshall, while not conceding, noted that his campaign will continue to monitor the situation and evaluate whether a recount is appropriate under state law.
What this means for local voters
For Jeffersonville residents and the broader Clark County electorate, the board’s decision underscores the importance of transparent election administration. The county’s adherence to established certification deadlines provides clarity for voters awaiting final results.
Both campaigns have pledged to respect the upcoming certification process, and the outcome will determine who will represent District 45 in the Indiana State Senate moving forward.
Original reporting: 93.1 WIBC (Indianapolis) — read the source article.
