Scott County election board to hold hearing on absentee ballot irregularities and financial oversight concerns involving Democratic Club

As the upcoming election approaches, the county election board is investigating a series of absentee ballot handling and campaign finance concerns linked to mailings sent by the local Democratic Club. Formal complaints, citizen feedback, and procedural discrepancies have prompted the board to examine the handling of absentee ballots, potential breaches of election law, and lack of campaign finance filings by the Democratic Club. A hearing has been Scheduled for November 13 to allow the Democratic Club to respond to these issues.

The investigation began with three formal complaints, notably from JR Ward, a voter and chair of the GOP, alleging that unsolicited absentee ballot applications mailed by the Democratic Party lacked a required disclaimer, potentially violating Indiana Code 3-11-4-2(f). Ward and other citizens raised concerns that these mailings, which directed applications back to Democratic Party headquarters instead of the county's clerk's office, could compromise ballot security. Additionally, citizens reported receiving duplicate ballot applications from the Democratic Party.

Michelle Shelton, the county clerk, reached out to the Indiana Election Division and Secretary of State's office for guidance, as state law mandates disclaimers on political mailings. The Election Division confirmed that omitting this disclaimer could constitute a Level 6 felony. Additionally, many applications process by the clerk's office showed inconsistencies, such as altered dates and missing affidavits of assistance, violating chain-of-custody requirements for tracking absentee ballots. Some applications had original dates replaced with new ones, while others showed signatures in varying handwriting and ink colors.

Further complications emerged around the Democratic Club's failure to file CFA-4 finance reports. Shelton discovered that the club, while engaging in campaign activities, has not registered or filed required financial disclosures with the state. Indiana law mandates that auxillary political organizations with budgets over $5,000 or contributions exceeding $1,000 file such reports. However, the Democratic Club's records do not appear in state or county filings, despite funding campaign mailers and related expenses. Jim Boswell, president of the club, is expected to represent the organization at the upcoming hearing.

Shelton clarified that while the election board will review these procedural concerns, it holds no prosecutorial authority. “Any criminal prosecution would involve the prosecutor's office, state police, or attorney general,” said county attorney Zach Stewart, emphasizing that the board's role is to ensure compliance with election protocols rather than impose criminal penalties. The hearing is part of a due process step that will allow the Democratic Club to respond to allegations.

The board assured the public that the timing of the hearing will not affect vote counts. “Our priority is to ensure every vote counts and address procedural integrity," noted Shelton.

The November 13 hearing will be held at 4 p.m. In the commissioner's room #128 in the courthouse and will give the board an opportunity to review the facts and make recommendations, underscoring its commitment to transparency in safeguarding election laws.