Opinion ID: 2521576
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: The Role Of The Secretary Of State

Text: The Secretary of State is a proper respondent in this case. I.C. § 34-201 states, Secretary of state chief election officer.The secretary of state is the chief election officer of this state, and it is his responsibility to obtain and maintain uniformity in the application, operation and interpretation of election laws. Further, I.C. § 34-202 states that, [i]n carrying out his responsibility under section 17 [§ 34-201], the secretary of state shall cause to be prepared and distributed to each county clerk detailed and comprehensive written directives and instructions relating to and based upon the election laws as they apply to elections, registration of electors and voting procedures which by law are under the direction and control of the county clerk. I.C. § 34-203 states, [i]n carrying out his responsibility under Section 17 [§ 34-201], the secretary of state shall assist and advise each county clerk with regard to the application, operation and interpretation of the election laws as they apply to elections, registration of electors and voting procedures which by law are under the direction and control of the county clerk. The Secretary of State has the responsibility of issuing directives and instructions to the county clerks for compliance with the election laws, which could be that certain candidates would be ineligible because of term limits. The Secretary of State is a proper party.