Indiana Secretary of State race ends with lawsuits and ads

The race for Indiana Secretary of State has entered its final days with a mix of court filings, television spots, and new endorsements. Democrat Beau Bayh and Republican Max Engling are battling for the top spot in a contest that polling shows is tight. Democrats are aiming to capture the office for the first time since 1994, when Joe Hogsett, the current Indianapolis mayor, held the position.

Campaign funds are being spent heavily as both sides work to sway voters. Engling recently secured endorsements from President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance. A group of state leaders also added their support for the Republican candidate during the final week of the campaign. Independent candidate Greg Ballard and Libertarian Lauri Shillings have trailed in the polls, but Ballard has maintained a high profile through legal challenges and policy proposals.

Ballard filed a lawsuit earlier this month demanding the Indiana Election Commission meet to hear campaign finance complaints. One complaint focused on a $60,000 donation to Engling that was quickly returned. Another involved events Bayh attended but did not disclose. Bayh called the complaints frivolous. The commission has not met since July and does not have a scheduled meeting until after the election. A judge ruled Monday that Ballard did not show a high likelihood of success and that a preliminary injunction could harm the election process.

Engling has also threatened legal action. He plans to sue Bayh over a campaign ad featuring Marion County Deputy Chief Scott Robinett. The ad states that Engling was convicted of reckless driving. Engling has speeding tickets but no criminal reckless driving charges. Engling said in a statement that Bayh is running an ad that lies about his record. The ad also features an endorsement from outgoing Sen. Greg Walker, a Republican who is considering voting for a Democrat.

The candidates are also debating how to handle election integrity issues. Current Secretary of State Diego Morales faces questions about spending and fraud from before his tenure. Bayh has argued for an independent audit of the office. Engling believes the Inspector General can handle an internal investigation. All candidates pointed to a report released last year that found 21 instances of noncitizen voting in Indiana. Engling supports new driver's licenses that identify non-voters. Shillings called those requirements an undue burden.

Attorney General Todd Rokita announced last week that his office is working with the Vigo County prosecutor to bring charges against an alleged noncitizen who voted in six elections. Bayh said he voted at the Indianapolis City-County building and believes the prosecution is happening because of his comments on the issue. He noted that 21 instances out of millions of votes is rare but said there must be repercussions. Election Day is November 3.