Indiana Code
Chapter 8. Contest Procedures for Nomination for or Election to Local or School Board Offices
3-12-8-1. Persons Entitled to Contest

Sec. 1. (a) This section does not apply to a challenge filed before an election to the eligibility of a candidate nominated by petition for election to an office. The challenge described by this subsection must be conducted in accordance with IC 3-8-1-2.
(b) Any candidate for nomination or election to a local or school board office may contest the nomination or election of a candidate who is declared nominated or elected to the office, except a candidate who:
(1) receives the most votes in a primary election; and
(2) is certified as deceased under IC 3-8-7-1.
(c) If a candidate who is entitled to contest the nomination or election of a candidate under this chapter does not file a petition within the period established by section 5 of this chapter, the county chairman of a political party of which the candidate entitled to file a petition under this chapter was a member may file a petition to contest the nomination or election of a candidate. A county chairman is entitled to contest an election under this chapter only in a partisan race.
(d) This subsection applies to an election for a school board office. If there is no candidate who is entitled to contest the election of another candidate to a school board office, a voter of the school corporation may file a petition to contest the election of the candidate.
[Pre-1986 Recodification Citation: 3-1-28-1.]
As added by P.L.5-1986, SEC.8. Amended by P.L.10-1988, SEC.152; P.L.4-1996, SEC.79; P.L.176-1999, SEC.99; P.L.14-2000, SEC.7; P.L.194-2013, SEC.79; P.L.278-2019, SEC.149.

Structure Indiana Code

Indiana Code

Title 3. Elections

Article 12. Ascertaining Results of Elections

Chapter 8. Contest Procedures for Nomination for or Election to Local or School Board Offices

3-12-8-1. Persons Entitled to Contest

3-12-8-2. Grounds for Contest

3-12-8-2.5. Chapter Establishes Standards to Define Vote; Exception

3-12-8-3. Repealed

3-12-8-4. Repealed

3-12-8-5. Contest of Election or Nomination; Filing of Verified Petition; Elections in Different Municipalities

3-12-8-5.5. Verified Petition; Filing Fee; Cause Number

3-12-8-6. Contest of Election; Content of Verified Petition

3-12-8-6.5. Amendment of Verified Petition

3-12-8-7. Repealed

3-12-8-8. Notice of Contest; Service of Notice

3-12-8-9. Service of Summons

3-12-8-10. Appearance and Answer by Contestee; Time; Defense, Answer, or Special Answer

3-12-8-11. Party to Proceeding; Stating Right or Claim by Answer or Counterclaim

3-12-8-12. Repealed

3-12-8-13. Repealed

3-12-8-14. Repealed

3-12-8-15. Venue of Trial of Contest for Office

3-12-8-16. Hearing; Date

3-12-8-17. Hearing and Determination of Contest; Judgment Declaring Candidate Elected or Nominated; Ineligible Contestee Only Candidate; Candidate or Office Vacancy; Order for Special Election

3-12-8-17.5. Special Election; Corrected Canvass of Votes; Certificate of Election

3-12-8-18. Hearing; Circuit Court Clerk to Certify Determination

3-12-8-19. Hearing; Judgment and Determination of Court Final

3-12-8-20. Disqualification of Judge; Certification; Appointment of Special Judge

3-12-8-21. Vacation of Office by Person in Possession

3-12-8-22. Election Contest; Costs Included