Still confused about filing for state delegate?
The deadline to file for Indiana Republican State Delegate is Noon this Friday, February 4th. There seems to be some confusion among "newer entries to the political arena," so let's take a few minutes to clear it up.
State Delegate is not the same thing as Precinct Committeeman (PC). PC's are not up for election this year. Let's stick with what a delegate does for now, and we'll happily address what PC's do when the time is right.
So, what's a state delegate do? This year, if elected, you'll be voting to nominate a candidate for the following three offices:
Secretary of State
Auditor of State
Treasurer of State
There are 116 state delegate positions available in Hamilton County alone! To file to run for the position, you need to visit the Hamilton County Elections Office which is located in the Judicial Center in downtown Noblesville. (That's the newer building on the west side of the square as opposed to the older building where you pay your property taxes, among other things.) The physical address is: 1 Hamilton County Square, Suite 106.
There is a caveat...you must also be eligible for ballot access which requires (by State Party rules) that you have voted in the last two primaries in Hamilton County. If you're unsure of your eligibility, feel free to send us an email, and we'll try to make that determination with you. If you haven't traditionally voted in primaries in the past, this is just another great reason to get off your duff and start being a more responsible voter!
Each township is divided into districts, and each district has between 5 and 9 delegate positions available. There are 16 districts in Hamilton County. The election for delegates is held on the same day as the 2022 Primary which is Tuesday, May 3rd. The field is not limited. In other words, it is NOT first come, first served. As long as more than the designated number of people sign up to be elected, there is an election. By contrast, if only the requested number of people (or less) complete the paperwork, you are automatically a delegate as an election would be unnecessary.
If elected, you will need to pay a fee of $100 dollars to attend the convention which takes place on Saturday, June 18th at 10:00 am at the Indiana Farmer's Coliseum. To learn more about the convention from the Indiana Republican Party, click here.
The office staff of the Hamilton County Elections Office are very pleasant and extraordinarily kind. They will help you complete the form by determining the correct name and number of your precinct as well as your state delegate district. Please be sensitive of their time and don't show up at 11:45 on Friday.