Indiana Secretary of State candidates debate election security

Candidates for Indiana Secretary of State are outlining their visions for election oversight and security. Republican Max Engling and Lincoln Party candidate Greg Ballard have stated that while Indiana’s elections are secure, additional safeguards are necessary. Engling, a former Capitol Hill staffer, has expressed interest in working with lawmakers to prevent noncitizens from voting. This follows reports from the current Secretary of State and Attorney General regarding instances of noncitizen voting in the state.

A recent Quantus Insights poll of 757 likely voters shows Democrat Beau Bayh holding a three-point lead over Engling in the Secretary of State race, with Bayh at 41.6 percent and Engling at 38.6 percent. The margin of error for the poll is plus or minus 3.8 percentage points. The poll also indicates that Republicans hold leads in the races for State Comptroller and State Treasurer.

The Secretary of State office is responsible for overseeing elections, certifying results, issuing business licenses, and regulating the securities industry and auto dealerships in Indiana.