Voters in Marion County will choose among one Republican and two active Democratic candidates in the May 5 primary for Marion County clerk, the countywide office responsible for running elections, maintaining court records and serving as secretary of the county election board.
A third Democratic candidate, Bobby Kern, died April 3, according to the Hoosier Enquirer, an online publication he founded. Because ballots have already been printed, Kern's name will remain on the primary ballot, the Marion County Election Board said.
Incumbent Kate Sweeney Bell is seeking a second term. She faces a Democratic primary challenge from Karla López Owens, a deputy prosecuting attorney at the Marion County Prosecutor's Office, who has made Marion County's voter turnout a central issue in the race. In the 2024 general election there were 650,471 registered voters, with 358,036, or 55%, casting a ballot.
The winner of the Democratic primary will face Republican Robbin Stewart in November.
The Marion County clerk's office is responsible for keeping records for the Circuit Court, collecting court fees and fines, issuing marriage licenses, and administering elections for the county. As secretary of the Marion County Election Board, the clerk serves as chief elections officer for the county.
Candidates in this year's race have been asked about federal election policy, including the SAVE Act — Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act — a proof-of-citizenship voter registration bill supported by the Trump administration and currently in Congress. Their responses are in the candidate sections below.
WFYI contacted each campaign to ask why the candidate is running and what their priorities are. For candidates who did not respond, information was gathered from their campaign websites and social media. Candidate statements have been lightly edited for length and clarity.
Kate Sweeney Bell (incumbent)
Party: Democrat
Age: 54
Occupation: Marion County Clerk
Website: Facebook
Campaign message: "As the chief elections official in Indiana's largest county, I am committed to protecting every eligible citizen's right to vote, ensuring the integrity and security of our elections, and speaking out whenever access to participation in our democracy is threatened."
Why are you running? "I'm running to continue the important work of securing our elections from outside interference, protecting voting rights, and expanding voter participation across our community. There is more to do, and I'm committed to building on the progress we've made."
How would you describe the current state of election security in Marion County? "Elections in Marion County are secure and well-managed, thanks to strong bipartisan safeguards implemented by the Marion County Election Board. We've built a system that prioritizes both integrity and accessibility."
Would you support the SAVE Act passing? Why or why not? "I do not support the SAVE Act. It would create unnecessary barriers to voting, particularly for individuals whose legal documents may not perfectly align—such as women who change their names after marriage or divorce."
Karla López Owens
Party: Democrat
Age: 35
Occupation: Deputy prosecuting attorney and director of community outreach with Marion County Prosecutor's Office
Website: klo4change.com
Campaign message: "I am an attorney fighting to improve access to local government services, resources, and the ballot box. I grew up in a working-class household, and, from an early age, I've been helping my family and community navigate complex administrative systems, including asking for fair opportunities to participate in the democratic process. As the office that also oversees County-wide elections and supports voter registration efforts, I know we can reverse our historic low voter turnout (in November 2024, Marion County had the second lowest voter turnout of Indiana counties) through increased transparency and consistent community engagement, which is what I plan to do."
Why are you running? "I'm running for Marion County Clerk because I want to increase access to court documents, increase civic participation, and ensure the polls run effectively. As a government attorney who works in the courts, I see how difficult, intimidating and confusing accessing court documents can be and I want to change that. I became a U.S. Citizen at 18, and know how important participating in democracy is."
How would you describe the current state of election security in Marion County? "I think Marion County has made great strides to ensure safe, secure elections. The real threat is this unprecedented overreach by the federal government, which undermines the integrity of these systems and our democratic rights every day, and is something I pledge to fight back against, using every tool available."
Would you support the SAVE Act passing? Why or why not? "The SAVE Act is one of the most restrictive pieces of voting legislation in recent U.S. History. It is another example of the federal government's unprecedented overreach, and I am completely opposed to it.
At its core, this is a "Show Me Your Papers" bill. It imposes strict proof-of-citizenship requirements on otherwise qualified U.S. citizens registering to vote. A person must show a U.S. Passport or Birth Certificate and present paperwork in person at an election office or BMV, effectively eliminating other registration options like voter registration drives or mail-in registrations."
Robbin Stewart
Party: Republican
Age: 65
Occupation: Retired
Website: ballots.blogspot.com
Campaign message: "Robbin Stewart for Clerk. Vote Tuesday"
Why are you running? "Because I can."
How would you describe the current state of election security in Marion County? "It's about 50-50. Improved pollworker training could address this."
Would you support the SAVE Act passing? Why or why not? "No. The Save act probably violates the 24th Amendment."
Contact WFYI digital producer and reporter Zach Bundy at zbundy@wfyi.org
