LaPorte County election board tells prospective candidates to check how their name will appear on the ballot

At a Jan. 15 public question-and-answer session, LaPorte County Election Board President Katie Bowen and staff told prospective candidates that the name they enter on the declaration of candidacy will be reproduced exactly on the ballot.

"At the very bottom, it has a very small printed section that has you write in how you want your name to appear on the ballot," Bowen said. "Whatever you write is how your name is going to appear on the ballot." She and election staff urged candidates to double-check that field before submitting forms, particularly when mailing paperwork.

The board described common filing errors that cause problems after submission. Staff said they have contacted filers to correct mistakes such as selecting the wrong precinct or district, and recommended that filers check their voter registration and, if needed, use local voter registration offices to verify district information and obtain notarization. The board noted that filings for judge and prosecutor, and for some state offices, are processed in Indianapolis rather than at the local LaPorte clerk location.

The election administrator and clerk also reminded filers that certain candidacy packets include a CAN-12 economic interest statement for local and school board offices; the CAN-12 covers the prior calendar year and must be notarized.

The session was offered as an informal resource, with staff saying they will accept courtesy filings or emailed copies so local lists reflect filings and so staff can follow up when information is incomplete. The board encouraged candidates to use email and to contact election staff promptly with questions to avoid formal hearings and late corrections.

The meeting is expected to be posted on the county's Access LaPorte County channel and can be referenced for step-by-step guidance and contact information.