Former Indianapolis mayor and Marine Corps veteran Greg Ballard, the independent candidate for Indiana Secretary of State, is pressing a court to order the Indiana Election Commission to meet before Election Day. Ballard appeared in Marion Superior Court on Friday, Oct. 23, asserting that the commission’s failure to convene ahead of the Nov. 3 election leaves four pending campaign‑finance complaints unresolved.
Why Ballard Wants a Pre‑Election Meeting
Ballard told WOWO’s Kayla Blakeslee that the commission traditionally meets in September during election years, but this cycle it has not scheduled a session before voters head to the polls. He said the complaints involve Republican candidate Max Engling and Democratic candidate Bo Bye, with one complaint dating back to July.
According to Ballard, the two Democratic members of the commission support an early meeting, while the two Republican members oppose it. “We’re just asking for normal procedure,” Ballard said. “We’re asking for what they’ve done in the past.” He framed the lawsuit as a matter of adhering to established processes, not a partisan attack on any candidate.
State’s Response and Ballard’s Rebuttal
The state argued that Ballard’s suit is an attempt to influence the election outcome. Ballard rejected that characterization, accusing the commission of politicizing the process and questioning whether the two major parties are being protected by the delayed schedule.
He warned that a meeting after voters have cast their ballots – currently set for Nov. 20 – would not meaningfully address the complaints before Election Day. A judge was expected to issue a ruling on Monday, and Ballard said his campaign would consider an appeal if the decision goes against him.
Proposed Reforms to Indiana’s Election Dispute System
Beyond the immediate lawsuit, Ballard called for broader changes to how Indiana handles election disputes. He proposed expanding the recount commission to five retired judges and replacing political appointees on the Election Commission with administrative law judges, arguing that “the political appointee portion of all of this is just not serving voters well.”
Ballard also urged state lawmakers to review the election process and consider reforms that would make the system more transparent and accountable to Indiana’s citizens.
Ballard’s Independent Campaign and Ballot‑Access Challenges
When asked why he is described as both an independent and a Lincoln Party candidate, Ballard explained that Indiana’s ballot‑access requirements make it difficult for independents to run. He collected more than 36,943 signatures and spent over $800,000 to qualify for the ballot.
Ballard said his campaign intends to form a political party for independents if he receives at least 2% of the vote, citing Indiana law. The goal, he said, is to ease the signature‑gathering burden for future independent candidates.
Appeal to Voters Disenchanted with Partisan Politics
Ballard criticized Indiana’s political system, noting that competitive general elections have become less common and that primary elections give a relatively small share of voters outsized influence over who ultimately holds office. He urged voters who are “tired of the toxicity and the partisanship that are really affecting our politics” to consider his candidacy, emphasizing his experience as mayor and his 23‑year Marine Corps service as assets for state government reform.
Indiana voters will choose their next Secretary of State on Nov. 3.
Original reporting: WOWO News/Talk (Fort Wayne) — read the source article.
