HamCo Dems Chair Calls on Election Boards To Not Be Used For Partisan Games and Individual Gain

Tuesday, August 11, 2026

Hamilton County, Indiana — On August 4, 2026, the Chair of the Hamilton County Republican Party, Mario Massillimany, represented a client in front of the Hamilton County Election Board. The Election Board was deciding whether to refer Mr. Massillimany’s client to the prosecutor for potential criminal charges.

One member of the Board making that crucial decision about Mr. Massillimany’s client was Republican appointee Ray Adler. Mr. Adler serves on the Election Board at the pleasure of Mr. Massillimany. 

“This conflict of interest should concern every voter,” said Josh Lowry, the Chair of the Hamilton County Democratic Party. “Voters cannot trust the integrity of our elections if Election Boards are used as tools for partisan games or individual gain.” 

The Hamilton County Election Board contains two appointees: a Republican appointee who serves at the pleasure of the Republican County Chair, and a Democratic appointee who serves at the pleasure of the Democratic County Chair. 

“The practical effect of serving at the pleasure of a county chair is that the appointee must abide by the county chair’s wishes,” said Lowry. “Otherwise, a county chair would simply remove the appointee.” For example, in 2025, the Hamilton County Election Board voted on a proposal for vote centers. Mr. Adler, the Republican appointed by Mr. Massillimany, was the lone vote against the proposal. In an interview with WTHR, Mr. Massillimany explained, "I had received a lot of calls and emails from constituents within the community, especially the elderly, that didn't want this to happen. They asked that I have Ray Adler vote against it, and I asked him to do that." 

“Every voter in Hamilton County should be concerned with what occurred this week,” said Lowry. “With a referral to the prosecutor on the line, Mr. Massillimany represented a client in front of the Hamilton County Election Board. And he controls one of the members of that Board. This raises grave questions of integrity, ethics, and conflicts of interest. Is the Election Board doing what is best for the voters, or is it just another way for a chair to obtain clients and wield political power?”

County Election Boards are charged with one of the most important duties in our Country: “to conduct all elections and administer the election laws within the county.” The Hamilton County Democratic Party call on the Election Board to remain above partisan games and not be used for individual gains.

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About Hamilton County Democratic Party

Our mission is to build a more affordable, inclusive, and aspirational future for all by electing more Democrats in Hamilton County. When Democrats lead, our communities thrive—and we are committed to ensuring that leadership continues.