The Starke County Election Board members are going to do more research on a timetable for their resolution for the filing of late candidate financial reports.
In May, the board members approved a resolution that outlines the board’s decision to fine candidates who are late in filing financial reports beginning with the Primary Election in 2018. A fine of $50 per day would be assessed, but that fine may be amended following the outcome of a hearing conducted by the board for each candidate who files an appeal. The resolution follows Indiana code that discusses this matter.
Clerk Vicki Cooley noted that each candidate is told of this requirement when they file for office. She explained that the candidates receive a packet of information and this notification is said to be in the packet at the time of candidate filing.
There were eight candidates who filed late forms after the April 20 deadline of this year and their fines range from $50 to $900 for each day the form was late.
The board members are unsure if the resolution they passed is effective as of the date they approved it, which is in May, or when the law was passed. After much discussion, the election board members ultimately voted unanimously to table a final decision until their July meeting for clarification.
