Indiana legislative leaders back ballot law reversal

INDIANAPOLIS — The top leaders in Indiana’s Legislature support reversing a new law stripping the names of unopposed candidates from local election ballots.

The law that took effect in July has drawn complaints from candidates and election officials around the state who argue all elected offices should appear on voting ballots regardless of the number of candidates.

Republican Senate President Pro Tem David Long tells The Journal Gazette that the provision was included in a larger elections bill and wasn’t specifically debated. He says its intention to save money was good, but he thinks voters should know who is being elected.

Republican House Speaker Brian Bosma says rolling back the law will be on his list of things to remedy during next year’s session.