The Starke County Election Board members finalized paperwork concerning late financial reports submitted by candidates for the May Primary Election.
The board members had a question about whether fines should be assessed on the deadline set by the state or when the resolution was approved by the local election board. Upon information given to Clerk Vicki Cooley by an election division official, the fines are to be assessed by the state deadline date of Apr. 20, 2018.
There are eight candidates who filed late financial reports. Some of the reports were filed in the clerk’s office just hours after the deadline time of noon on Apr. 20, but a fine still applies which is $50 a day. The fines for the candidates vary in each case which range from $50 to $900.
Candidates will receive a letter notifying them that the fines are to be paid by Monday, Aug. 10. They can send their payment in and indicate on the return paper that they are not going to appeal their fine. If candidates want to file an appeal, that action must be done in person at the clerk’s office. The Starke County Election Board will hold hearings on Aug. 20. More detailed information will be given in the formal notices sent by the clerk’s office.
