Hoosier Enquirer Reporter On the Scene: Candidates Rush to Refile CAN-2 Forms Amid Notarization Controversy of the Indiana Secretary of State's Office

Hoosier Enquirer Reporter On the Scene: Candidates Rush to Refile CAN-2 Forms Amid Notarization Controversy

Indianapolis, IN – Our Hoosier Enquirer reporter was on the ground at the Indiana Secretary of State's office today, witnessing a steady stream of high-profile candidates and elected officials arriving to refile their CAN-2 Declaration of Candidacy forms ahead of the looming deadline for the 2026 primary election. The scene highlighted a growing wave of concern over how candidate filings were initially processed, prompting many to take precautionary steps to ensure their names appear on the May primary ballot without legal challenges. Among those spotted personally refiling were:

• U.S. Congressman Mark Messmer (IN-8)

• U.S. Congressman Marlin Stutzman (IN-3)

• U.S. Congressman Rudy Yakym (IN-2)

• Indiana State Representative Julie McGuire

• Indiana State Representative Tim O'Brien

Several other state representatives and judges also made appearances to submit updated paperwork. The atmosphere inside the Election Division office was busy but orderly, as candidates and their teams navigated the refiling process to eliminate any uncertainty. The rush stems from questions surrounding the notarization—or certification—of the CAN-2 forms, which major-party candidates (Democratic and Republican) must file to seek nomination in the primary election for federal, statewide, state legislative, and certain local offices.

Under Indiana election law, these declarations require certification by a notary public or another authorized official to verify the candidate's signature and affirmations regarding eligibility, residency, and party affiliation. Indiana Election Division staff reportedly informed candidates and elected officials that the office would refile or reprocess everyone's forms as needed. However, employees also advised people to disregard what they described as misinformation spread by a local troll. Despite this reassurance, many candidates opted to refile anyway to avoid potential objections or challenges that could arise later in the campaign season.

A key point of clarification came from a Southern Indiana GOP county attorney, who confirmed to Hoosier Enquirer that notarization remains a necessary requirement for the CAN-2 filings. According to state law and the 2026 Indiana Candidate Guide, candidates must sign the declaration under oath or affirmation before someone authorized to administer oaths, such as a notary public. The Election Division provides notary services for candidates filing at their office, and Secretary of State Diego Morales and certain designated staff hold authority to certify forms.

The attorney emphasized a critical nuance: While a stamp from an authorized state employee (such as those in the Election Division) can satisfy the certification requirement, not all staff members possess the necessary authority. Only specific designees—including some appointed as "special deputies"—are empowered to authenticate the documents. This distinction appears to be at the heart of the confusion, as initial filings may have been handled by personnel without full certifying power in some cases, raising questions about validity and vulnerability to challenges.

State law allows candidates to file these forms with the Election Division (located on the state government campus in downtown Indianapolis) for offices including U.S. House seats, Indiana Senate and House districts, county judges, and prosecutors. The filing window for the 2026 primary closed earlier this year, but the recent refilings are being accepted as corrective measures ahead of the final pre-primary deadline this Friday.

Candidates expressed a mix of frustration and pragmatism. Many echoed the sentiment that refiling was a simple step to protect their campaigns from unnecessary legal distractions down the road. As one elected official put it while leaving the office, the goal is to focus on the issues and voters—not paperwork disputes.

Hoosier Enquirer will continue monitoring this developing situation, including any official statements from the Secretary of State's office or the Indiana Election Division, as well as potential impacts on the 2026 primary ballot. With candidates from both parties taking action, the episode underscores how even routine administrative details can spark significant attention in election season.

Stay tuned to Hoosier Enquirer for the latest updates on Indiana politics and election integrity.