Sending out an SOS

Former Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard joins Indy Politics to discuss why he’s running for Indiana Secretary of State as an independent, citing frustration with hyper-partisan “gotcha” politics and a growing block of disillusioned voters. Ballard talks about the steep signature requirements for independent candidates and how an old law was changed to make ballot access tougher after an independent nearly upset a legislator. He highlights his 31 years of public service, including the Marine Corps and two terms as mayor, arguing that his experience makes him well-suited to run elections in a nonpartisan, professional way. Ballard addresses recent attacks on his residency and voting record, calling them misleading and emblematic of what turns voters off from both major parties. He says his goal is to give Hoosiers—especially young and independent-minded voters—a credible alternative and to tone down the rhetoric in Indiana politics.