Center Township voters settle constable residency dispute today

Marion County voters cast ballots today for constables across nine townships. Only two of those contests, in Center and Perry townships, feature more than one candidate. The Center Township race draws attention due to a pending court case involving the incumbent's place of residence.

Kenneth Allen, the Democratic incumbent, faces Melvin Hall II, an independent candidate. Allen filled the constable vacancy in November 2024 after being selected by the Center Township Democratic precinct committee. Hall filed a lawsuit in Marion Superior Court in August. He asked a judge to remove Allen from office, alleging that Allen lives in a house in Lawrence Township owned by his wife. Indiana law requires constables to reside in the township where they serve.

Allen testified that he currently occupies an apartment in downtown Indianapolis. Judge John M.T. Chavis II reviewed the case and denied Hall's request to block Allen from holding office while the lawsuit proceeds. The judge's decision allows Allen to appear on the ballot for today's election.

Constables in Indiana serve as court bailiffs and hold police powers to make arrests. They are also responsible for serving orders from township small claims courts, including eviction notices. These duties define the role that voters in the nine townships will decide today.

Polls opened at 6 a.m. and close at 6 p.m. Registered voters must present a photo ID to cast their ballot. Residents can verify their polling locations on their county websites. The Center Township contest remains the only race in the group of nine constable elections where a court has reviewed a challenge to a candidate's eligibility.