PETITION TO THE INDIANA GENERAL ASSEMBLY REGARDING MANDATORY

CONSTITUTIONAL SELF-ASSESSMENT FOR CANDIDATES FOR PUBLIC OFFICE

 

 

To the Honorable Members of the Indiana General Assembly,

The Speaker of the House of Representatives,

The President Pro Tempore of the Senate,

The Indiana Election Division,

and The Chairs and Members of the House Elections and Apportionment Committee and the Senate Elections and Ethics Committee:

 

We, the undersigned citizens and residents of the State of Indiana, including members and supporters of True the Ballot, respectfully petition the Indiana General Assembly to enact legislation making it mandatory for any individual seeking public office in Indiana to complete or decline a self-assessment based on the content of the Preambles to the United States Constitution and the Indiana Constitution as a condition of candidacy.

 

Whereas, the Preamble to the United States Constitution establishes the foundational principles of forming a more perfect Union, establishing Justice, insuring domestic Tranquility, providing for the common defense, promoting the general Welfare, and securing the Blessings of Liberty; and

 

Whereas, the Preamble to the Indiana Constitution affirms the establishment of justice, maintenance of public order, and perpetuation of liberty, while expressing gratitude to Almighty God for the free exercise of the right to choose our form of government; and

 

Whereas, public officials in Indiana take an oath to support and defend these Constitutions, but there is currently no mechanism to ensure candidates have reflected upon or demonstrated basic understanding of these preambular principles prior to seeking office; and

 

Whereas, such a requirement would promote informed and principled governance, enhance public trust in elections, and align with existing candidate qualifications under Indiana Code Title 3, Article 8, without imposing undue burdens, as candidates may choose to decline the assessment (with such declination made public for voter awareness); and

 

Whereas, this measure would apply to candidates for federal, state, legislative, judicial, county, township, municipal, and school board offices where duties impinge upon Indiana citizens, and could be administered by the Indiana Election Division as part of the candidate filing process (e.g., via an amendment to IC 3-8-1 adding a new section requiring submission of the self-assessment or a declination form alongside declarations of candidacy, petitions of nomination, or certificates of nomination);

 

Now, therefore, we petition the Indiana General Assembly to introduce, consider, and pass legislation during the upcoming session to amend Indiana Code Title 3 as follows (suggested language for illustrative purposes; final drafting to be handled by the Legislative Services Agency):

 

• Add a new section to IC 3-8-1, such as IC 3-8-1-35.5, stating: "A candidate for any elected public office in Indiana whose duties affect the citizens of the state must, as part of their candidate filing under this article, submit either: (1) a completed self-assessment form, developed by the Indiana Election Division, evaluating the candidate's understanding and commitment to the principles outlined in the Preambles to the United States Constitution and the Indiana Constitution; or (2) a signed declination stating their refusal to complete the assessment. The self-assessment or declination shall be filed with the appropriate filing officer (e.g., the Indiana Election Division, circuit court clerk, or town clerk-treasurer) and made publicly available on the Election Division's website for voter review. Failure to comply shall result in disqualification of the candidacy."

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This legislation should direct the Indiana Election Division to develop a standardized self-assessment form (e.g., a short questionnaire or affirmation statement) within six months of enactment, ensuring it is neutral, non-partisan, and focused solely on the preambular content.

 

We urge deliberative action to strengthen Indiana's electoral integrity and ensure that those seeking to serve are mindful of our constitutional foundations.

 

Respectfully submitted,

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