Clerk vs. Secretary: Sweeney-Bell Calls Out Morales’ Video Violation While Facing Her Own Election Law Firestorm

Kate Sweeney Bell on the left, Diego Morales on the right.

INDIANAPOLIS — A heated dispute has erupted between Marion County Clerk Kate Sweeney-Bell and Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales, with both officials facing accusations of violating election laws. The clash highlights tensions over election integrity in Indiana, raising questions about the conduct of those tasked with overseeing the state’s voting processes.

At the center of Sweeney-Bell’s complaint is a video used in Morales’ re-election campaign ad. Sweeney-Bell alleges the footage was recorded during an official visit by Morales’ office to the Marion County Election Service Center on Election Day in November 2024. According to Sweeney-Bell, using this video for campaign purposes violates Indiana law, which prohibits government employees from using public property or resources for campaign-related activities. “This was an official visit, not a campaign stop,” Sweeney-Bell stated, arguing that Morales’ actions undermine the impartiality of the election process.

The Morales campaign has not yet responded to inquiries regarding the allegations, leaving the public awaiting clarification on the context and intent behind the video’s use. Morales’ office previously claimed the clip was part of an Election Day recap video posted to social media, suggesting it was subject to public use. However, this explanation has done little to quell Sweeney-Bell’s concerns or the broader debate over the propriety of such actions.

While Sweeney-Bell positions herself as a defender of election integrity, she faces her own set of serious accusations. Critics, including some local voters and election workers, have accused her of engaging in ballot harvesting, approving invalid ballots for Democratic candidates, and obstructing Republican election judges during the November 2024 general election. Additional complaints allege that Sweeney-Bell imposed restrictive conditions at the Marion County Election Count Center, requiring workers to seek permission for basic tasks, such as retrieving necessary items, in a manner some likened to a “Chinese sweatshop.” These allegations paint a picture of an overly controlled environment that some argue stifled the ability of election workers to perform their duties effectively.

The accusations against Sweeney-Bell have sparked outrage among some Hoosiers, who argue that her focus on Morales’ campaign video is a distraction from her own alleged misconduct. “Voters could care less about a video, Sweeney-Bell,” one local Republican official remarked, echoing sentiments that her priorities seem misaligned given the gravity of the claims against her. These critics contend that her actions may have compromised the fairness of the election process in Marion County, a Democratic stronghold in a predominantly Republican state.

The controversy comes at a time when election integrity is a hot-button issue in Indiana. Morales, a Republican who won the Secretary of State race in 2022 despite his own history of controversies, has championed measures to strengthen voter ID requirements and audit election processes. His tenure has not been without criticism, however. Morales faced allegations of voter fraud in 2018 for voting in Hendricks County while claiming a homestead tax deduction in Marion County, an issue that resurfaced during his campaign. Though no legal action was pursued, the accusations have lingered, casting a shadow over his efforts to position himself as a guardian of election sanctity.

Sweeney-Bell, a Democrat who assumed the role of Marion County Clerk in 2023, has also faced scrutiny for her dual role as county party chair during her 2022 campaign, which some argued created conflicts of interest. Despite these challenges, she has maintained a focus on expanding voter access, a stance that has won her support among Democrats but drawn skepticism from those questioning her oversight of election operations.

As both officials trade accusations, the public is left to grapple with the implications. Sweeney-Bell’s allegations against Morales raise legitimate concerns about the misuse of public resources, but her own alleged infractions risk undermining her credibility. Similarly, Morales’ push for election integrity is complicated by his past, making it difficult for him to claim the moral high ground.

For now, Hoosiers are calling for transparency and accountability from both sides. “We need election officials who follow the law, not ones pointing fingers while dodging their own issues,” said one Indianapolis voter. As investigations into these allegations unfold, the focus must remain on ensuring that Indiana’s elections remain fair, secure, and free from partisan overreach—regardless of who is sitting at the table.