Demand corrupt MAGA Clerk Amy Rolfes place 4 Democrats on ballot!
Clerk of the Circuit Court Amy Rolfes is refusing to place four Democrats on the ballot. The law is clear: The Clerk must put these candidates on the ballot!
Take action:
Call the Clerk’s office and demand they place ALL Democratic candidates on the ballot, as required by Indiana law — (574) 235-9635 Ext. 7013
Sign the petition. Click here.
Donate to the St. Joseph County Democratic Party’s legal defense fund.
St. Joseph County Clerk of the Circuit Court Amy Rolfes is refusing to place four Democrats on the ballot.
The law is clear: The Clerk must place these candidates on the ballot!
BACKGROUND:
On Friday, August 28, 2026, Don Westerhausen, chair of the St. Joseph County Democratic party, filed certificates of candidate selection for the following individuals: Autumn Kaylor, Auditor St. Joseph County; Marcy Kauffman, New Carlisle Town Council; Dan Caruso, New Carlisle Town Council; and Christy Donlon, Walkerton Town Council, Ward 2.
This was done in accordance with Indiana Code Title 3. Elections Article 13. Vacancies Chapter 1. Early Candidate Vacancies 3-13-1-7.
For each candidate, a notarized CAN-12, CAN-31, and CAN-29 was filed, along with a copy of the Resolution from the August 26, 2026 regular meeting of the St. Joseph County Democratic Party Precinct Chairs and Vice-Chairs granting Chairman Westerhausen the authority to file and fill ballot vacancies.
Kimberly Riskovitch from the St. Joseph County Clerk of the Circuit Court's office file-stamped and accepted the forms on August 28, 2026, well in advance of the September 20, 2026 deadline to fill ballot vacancies. Now, these candidates selected by the Democratic Party to fill ballot vacancies must appear on the November ballot.
Responding to an inquiry made Monday, August 31 by Ms. Riskovitch, Angela Nussmeyer, Co-Director of the Indiana Election Division, under the Indiana Secretary of State’s Office, was crystal clear:
“Statute is very clear that county election boards lack home rule authority to adopt procedures that are contrary to state law. The clerk accepted the filing and the party properly filled the ballot vacancy as permitted under state law. The CEB [County Election Board] is commanded by law to print the ballot with the candidate names. Adopting a procedure outside of state law makes the Board’s decision void and further exacerbates the issue before you.”
Any Board action preventing a candidate's name from being printed on the general election ballot would be an omission of their duties, which is a Level 6 felony.
We demand the incumbent GOP Clerk Amy Rolfes follow Indiana law by placing these four candidates on the ballot.
What other leaders are saying:
“It is unfortunate the Clerk’s office has chosen the path of not following Indiana state law by denying the voters a choice in these races. As Clerk we will remain nonpartisan and follow the letter of the law when it comes to filling candidate vacancies. We believe our democracy thrives when voting rights are protected, voting locations are plentiful, and voters have choices.” — Stephanie Ball, Democratic nominee for Clerk of the Circuit Court
“Having had an opportunity to build relationships with Autumn Kaylor for Auditor I totally understand why the Republicans are so scared. She’s absolutely amazing and St. Joseph as a whole would benefit from her being in office. My personal belief is that voters should decide, not the courts. Respect & Love 💯” — Vic Cummings, Democratic nominee for County Assessor
“Having met the immensely qualified Autumn Kaylor and having previously served as County Auditor myself, I can understand why the GOP is so terrified of her candidacy. It is unfortunate that Amy Rolfes and the Republican Party would stoop to these despicable levels to deny voters a choice for Auditor as well as qualified candidates to run in New Carlisle and Walkerton. It isn’t too late to do the right thing — follow Indiana law and put these candidates on the ballot!” — Mike Hamann, Democratic nominee for County Council (District A)
“Having served on the Indiana Citizens Redistricting Commission, I thought I’d seen all the ways corrupt politicians can thwart the will of the voters. Didn’t think I’d see the day when an elected GOP Clerk would so blatantly deny the law by denying four Democrats their right to seek office while disenfranchising the voters with fewer choices.” — Ranjan Rohatgi, Democratic nominee for County Council (District B)
“Autumn Kaylor will be an outstanding County Auditor. Amy Rolfes and the GOP need to stop their cowardly and corrupt lawlessness and place her and the other candidates running in New Carlisle and Walkerton on the ballot. Let the voters decide.” — County Councilwoman Jenn Shabazz (District D)
Additional information (click images):
