Porter County election board halves fines for multiple late campaign finance filers

The Porter County Election Board on Thursday heard a long series of cases brought under Indiana Code IC 3‑9‑4‑17 involving delinquent campaign finance filings and reduced fines for multiple first‑time filers.

The board opened hearings after the chair outlined the statute authorizing civil penalties for late filings and the county attorney confirmed certified‑mail notice to respondents. Several people who said they were confused by a recent law change or by broken online links told the board why they missed the January deadline.

In one exchange, James Burge, a town council member, said he had “completely spaced the date” while traveling and that a county office closure during a snowstorm prevented in‑person filing. The board followed its usual practice for first‑time offenders and voted to reduce his $250 penalty to $125, payable in 30 days.

Other respondents told similar stories: Nick Davy of Pine Township said he believed he did not have to file because he was not running this year; the board cut his $500 fine in half. James Ferguson, who said he had just formed an exploratory committee, told the board his excitement “far exceeded my knowledge of what was required,” and the board reduced his $800 fine to $400. Philip Gralik, who cited surgery and recovery, saw his maximum fine reduced to $375 after the board applied the standard 50% reduction for a first offense.

Several people told the board they had attempted to use the county’s online filing system and encountered broken links or intermittent internet service. George Topple, a Uniontown trustee, urged the board to consider technological barriers that can discourage potential officeholders; he said he had trouble completing the online form before the deadline. The county attorney and clerk acknowledged outreach efforts (social media and notices) and pointed participants to a downloadable calendar on the secretary of state’s site.

The board also addressed non‑attendees and repeat offenders. For Lance Rafael and Anthony Weier — whose names the attorney said routinely appear on delinquent lists and who failed to appear — the board moved to assess the full $1,000 fine by default. The board likewise found that Calvin Chubb had been served and, after no appearance, referred or assessed the $1,000 penalty. The attorney explained some claims may already be moving to collections.

Throughout the hearing the board emphasized distinctions between discussion, continuances and formal action: reductions required motions, seconds and unanimous or majority voice approval; defaults for non‑appearers were assessed after notice and deliberation. The board also noted that requests to reduce or waive fines must be heard at a noticed meeting under open‑meetings law.

What’s next: Most reduced fines were set payable within 30 days. The board asked staff to provide clearer instructions and to continue outreach about online calendar and filing options; it also scheduled routine follow‑up for the non‑attendees whose matters the county is moving toward collections.

Representative quotes

“ I completely spaced the date, ” — James Burge, explaining why his filing was late.

“ I thought that since this is an election year and I wasn't running again, I didn't have to do it, ” — Nick Davy, Pine Township.

“ There are some mitigating circumstances ... modern technology doesn't always help people, ” — George Topple, Uniontown trustee.

Provenance

topicintro: {"block_id_start":"SEG 348","block_id_end":"SEG 356","evidence_excerpt":"We are here today to hear information concerning the delinquent filing of annual reports." ,"reason_code":"topicintro"}

topfinish: {"block_id_start":"SEG 1810","block_id_end":"SEG 1813","evidence_excerpt":"He he will pay the thousand dollars. And for miss Lowe, I'll entertain a motion." ,"reason_code":"topicfinish"}

Authorities

[{"type":"statute","name":"Indiana Code IC 3-9-4-17","citation":"IC 3-9-4-17","referenced_by":["SEG 354"]}]

Speakers referenced

James Burge (Town council member); Nick Davy (Pine Township); James Ferguson (Valparaiso); Philip Gralik (Liberty Township candidate); Nicholas Loving (appearing online); Janice/Janice Lowe (Zoom respondent); George Topple (Uniontown trustee); Board attorney; Chair; Mary Bailey (clerk).