The Indiana Supreme Court heard arguments Monday morning on whether Indian’s ballot access laws violate the State constitution.
A Marion County Judge ruled in December that an Indiana election law that limits candidates from appearing on the ballot in primaries is unconstitutional.
The ruling stems from a lawsuit filed by Southern Indiana egg farmer and U.S. Senate candidate John Rust. Rust had filed to get on the ballot but had not voted in the last two Republican primaries and was told by his Jackson County Chairwoman she would not sign a letter that Rust was in good standing with the party, two elements required by law.
Judge Partick Dietrick, a Republican, held the law violated the federal and state constitutions on several grounds.
He ruled the law violated the 1st and 14th Amendments, saying the state had no compelling interest in keeping Rust off the ballot.
In addition to the U.S. Constitution, Dietrick ruled the law also violated the State Constitution, saying it adds extra requirements to qualify for office that are not on the ballot.
You can hear from several parties in the Leon-Tailored Audio above.
