Greg Ballard, a candidate for Indiana Secretary of State running under the Lincoln Party banner, proposed a standardized statewide training program for Indiana county election workers on Wednesday. Ballard stated that insufficient training for these workers represents the greatest risk to secure voting in Indiana.
The former Republican Indianapolis mayor argued that the common rhetoric surrounding election security often overlooks the practical challenges faced by county clerk offices and poll workers across the state. Ballard's campaign proposal calls for the secretary of state’s office, which is responsible for statewide election policy, to establish a hands-on clerk training workshop. Additionally, the proposal suggests developing standardized procedures for all 92 Indiana counties to follow during elections.
During a Statehouse news conference, Ballard emphasized the importance of consistent election administration. He noted that many county clerks currently rely on their counterparts in other counties to resolve election process problems. Ballard stated that ensuring election personnel know how to run elections uniformly across all counties demonstrates what election security truly entails. He stressed the need to ensure that individuals conducting elections have the necessary training and support.
Ballard indicated that the lack of adequate training can lead to significant issues, such as the potential mishandling of ballots. He cited a recent legal dispute stemming from a state Senate Republican primary race, which had a narrow three-vote margin, as an example of such problems. The Indiana Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments Thursday in that particular ballot dispute, involving Sen. Spencer Deery of West Lafayette and challenger Paula Copenhaver. Ballard attributed this dispute to "procedural election mistakes that never should have happened."
Regarding funding for his proposal, Ballard expressed his belief that the cost could largely be covered through the current budget of the secretary of state office. He also pointed out that the state has not funded a certification program for poll workers, despite such a program being called for in a 2005 law.
Other candidates for Indiana Secretary of State have offered their perspectives on election administration. Republican candidate Max Engling frequently states that ensuring only U.S. citizens are allowed to vote is a top priority for him if elected in November. Engling's campaign issued a statement criticizing Ballard's plan, calling it "yet another top-down, one-size-fits-all program" that lacks details on funding and collaboration with local officials. Engling's campaign asserted that clerks deserve a partner who wants to serve alongside them, rather than a candidate who seeks to highlight every new idea publicly. Engling also mentioned that he has been meeting with clerks and other county officials to understand their needs for state election assistance.
Democratic candidate Beau Bayh also released a statement, indicating support for efforts to address the unmet needs of hardworking county clerks. Bayh added that if elected, he looks forward to collaborating with the bipartisan Election Division and the Association of County Clerks to address training needs efficiently and securely.
