Indiana voters will hear a clear outline of what Republican Secretary of State candidate Max Engling intends to do if he wins the Nov. 3 election. Speaking with Tony Katz on WIBC Morning News, Engling emphasized three core priorities: safeguarding election integrity, making the Secretary of State’s office more transparent, and holding fraudulent businesses accountable.
Election integrity and transparency
Engling said his first goal is to ensure that Indiana’s elections are conducted fairly and that every eligible Hoosier can trust the results. He pledged to work with the Indiana General Assembly to adopt new processes that will make the office run more professionally and openly. “When I look at my kids and I look at generationally, what we’re gonna be doing in the future here in Indiana, I want my kids to choose the state of Indiana to put their roots down here like I have, to build a business here in the state of Indiana,” Engling said.
To reinforce transparency, Engling called for an independent review of the Secretary of State’s office by the Indiana Inspector General. He argued that an outside audit could uncover problems that might otherwise go unnoticed. “What you can’t see is where there may be other issues,” he explained, adding that the Inspector General has the authority to conduct a thorough audit.
Targeting fraudulent business registrations
Engling highlighted a growing concern over fraudulent business registrations, particularly in the trucking industry. He warned that some companies register through the Secretary of State’s office and then hire drivers who lack proper commercial driver’s licenses, legal authorization, or English proficiency. “Holding those businesses accountable is one way the office can help improve road safety,” Engling said, linking the issue to public safety and the state’s economic reputation.
Campaign rhetoric and opponent criticism
The race also features sharp words from Engling toward his Democratic opponent, Beau Bayh. Engling accused Bayh of spreading false statements about his personal records, noting that all of his finances and driving record are public. “If my opponent is willing to lie about me for things that are public record, anybody can look at my finances. They can look at my driving record, things that he brought forward,” Engling said. He framed these accusations as part of a broader pattern of misinformation.
What’s at stake for Indiana voters
The Secretary of State’s office oversees state elections, business registrations, and a range of other responsibilities that affect daily life across Indiana. Engling’s focus on election integrity resonates with voters who are concerned about the accuracy of voter rolls and the security of ballot handling. His push for an Inspector General audit reflects a desire for greater accountability, while his stance on fraudulent trucking registrations ties directly to road safety and consumer protection.
Engling secured the Republican nomination after defeating incumbent Secretary of State Diego Morales at the June party convention. Morales will not appear on the November ballot, leaving Engling and Bayh as the two contenders for the office.
As Indiana heads to the polls, Engling’s message centers on protecting the democratic process, ensuring transparent government operations, and safeguarding public safety through stricter business oversight. Voters will decide whether his proposed reforms align with their vision for the state’s future.
Original reporting: 93.1 WIBC (Indianapolis) — read the source article.
