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Greg Ballard

Lincoln candidate for Secretary of State, Indiana · Open seat

Former Mayor of Indianapolis; retired U.S. Marine Corps lieutenant colonel

Greg Ballard is a retired Marine lieutenant colonel who served 23 years, including in the Persian Gulf War. He was the Republican mayor of Indianapolis from 2008 to 2015. In March 2026 he announced an independent run for Indiana Secretary of State under the newly formed Lincoln Party, and he is on the November 3, 2026 general election ballot.

Where Ballard stands

Straight-ticket voting

Supports ending straight-ticket voting. He says many people don't vote because they feel their vote doesn't count.

Office independence

Proposes a state law barring the secretary of state from endorsing, fundraising for, or donating to candidates. He has pledged not to do any of these himself if elected.

Election transparency

Proposes ending the current setup in which Republican and Democratic party appointees control the state Election Commission and Recount Commission.

Voter turnout and access

Proposes a voter's guide from the Secretary of State's office to tell voters what will be on their ballot.

Voter eligibility / citizenship verification

Says all the candidates agree that only eligible citizens should vote. He called the claim that only one candidate holds that view "ludicrous."

Election administration

Supports more training for election officials and more support for county clerks who run elections.

State contracts and campaign donors

Filed a lawsuit asking the Indiana Election Commission to rule before Election Day on four campaign finance complaints, two against Max Engling and two against Beau Bayh.

Debate access for all candidates

Says his top priorities include more ballot access for independent voices. He has said he is running under the Lincoln Party to open ballot access to other independents.

Background

• U.S. Marine Corps, 23 years; retired as lieutenant colonel; served in Persian Gulf War
• Mayor of Indianapolis (Republican), 2008–2015
• Visiting fellow, University of Indianapolis
• B.A. in economics, Indiana University
• Announced Lincoln Party/independent candidacy for Secretary of State, March 2026

In the news

• Ballard sues to force Indiana Election Commission to act on complaints Indiana Capital Chronicle, October 15, 2026
• Ballard is hoping for another once-in-a-lifetime upset Indiana Capital Chronicle, October 15, 2026
• Indiana Secretary of State candidates debate election security, office integrity and voter turnout WFYI, October 7, 2026
• Indiana Secretary of State – Greg Ballard The Reflector (University of Indianapolis), October 5, 2026
• Secretary of state candidate Ballard calls for ban on political actions by officeholder Indiana Capital Chronicle, October 1, 2026

Also running for Secretary of State

• Beau Bayh Democratic
• Lauri A. Shillings Libertarian
• Max Engling Republican

Sources

• PBS/Indiana Debate Commission: 2026 Indiana Secretary of State Debate
• Indiana Capital Chronicle: Ballard calls for ban on political actions by officeholder
• Indiana Capital Chronicle: Ballard sues Election Commission
• WFYI debate coverage
• Purdue Exponent debate coverage
• UIndy Reflector race overview
• Indiana Daily Student: candidates ramp up campaigns
• UIndy Reflector candidate Q&A

Last researched October 23, 2026. Written in neutral language from the sources above. Spot an error? See how to report it.