Noting time needed to adjust to state law changes, Wayne County Election Board chose not to fine two current officeholders for a late form that Indiana just began requiring.
During its regular Tuesday, March 17, meeting, the election board conducted two brief hearings. Its members voted 3-0 not to fine Center Township Trustee Vicki Chasteen or Wayne County Sheriff Randy Retter for the late form.
After House Enrolled Act 1679 took effect in July 2025, Indiana elected officials earning at least $5,000 annually must submit additional campaign finance paperwork.
Those officials who don’t have an open campaign finance committee must create one and file campaign finance statements, even if the officeholder doesn’t intend to raise or spend any money toward running for office.
Previously, candidates could close their campaign committee after being elected to an office and spending any money raised. They wouldn’t have to file additional paperwork unless they chose to run for another term.
State law allows election boards to assess a fine of up to $1,000 for a late or missing form, either as a flat fee or a daily penalty.
Current Wayne County election board members said they’ve never implemented the maximum penalty for previous candidates’ violations of other election requirements, and they weren’t aware of any previous local $1,000 fines.
Understanding that officeholders could be unfamiliar with the new requirement, board members said another factor in their decision was that neither officeholder had money in their campaign account.
Wayne County’s election board is composed of three members: Chair Maggie Thomas, representing Democrats; Jan Hibner, representing Republicans, and Clerk of Courts Tara Pegg, who is a Republican.
Both Chasteen and Retter appeared before the board and took responsibility for missing the noon Jan. 21 deadline. They said they appreciated election boards upholding laws, but requested leniency because of the requirement’s newness.
Chasteen’s form was less than two hours late, and Retter said he submitted his form immediately after being notified that it was missing.
Retter’s form was related to his current office of sheriff, which he can’t run for again because of term limits.
Pegg said candidates were notified of the new requirement last July via email and letter after the law change. However, board members said they understood a January requirement could get overlooked months later when it wasn’t widely publicized.
Keep up on the latest election and candidate news using the Western Wayne News 2026 Primary Election Guide. Visit wwn.to/election.
Vote center update
Also during the meeting, the election board approved an amended vote center plan to submit to state election officials.
On Feb. 10, the election board had unanimously approved moving the vote center at Centerville Christian Church’s downtown campus to Centerville Church of the Nazarene, 7181 W. U.S. 40, across from Gillman Home Center on the town’s western edge.
The board had received some complaints from candidates that Centerville Christian lacked outdoor space where they could display signs that complied with the state’s distance requirements regarding signs at poll entrances.
Before agreeing to changing locations, board members toured the Nazarene church. They found its accessibility for those with mobility challenges, outdoor space for signage and kitchen facilities for poll workers all ideal.
The board also approved a notice to voters that voters can ask poll workers to show them a sample election ballot for each precinct casting ballots at that vote center.
Voter registration deadline nears
Hoosiers wanting to check their voter registration status can do so at indianavoters.com. After verifying their identity, voters can change outdated names or addresses if needed. The voter registration office at Wayne County’s courthouse offers the same service.
Here are key dates for Indiana voters planning to register or cast ballots this spring:
- April 6: Voter registration deadline, by 4:30 p.m. in person at the Wayne County courthouse, 301 E. Main St., Richmond, or 11:59 p.m. online at indianavoters.com. A 17-year-old may register and vote in the primary if they turn 18 by the November election. In-person voting begins April 7 at the courthouse.
- April 23: Deadline to apply for an absentee ballot by mail. Voters must complete an ABS-Mail application form and ensure it’s received by that date at their county voter registration office. Applications received after the deadline, even if it’s postmarked before that date, can’t be processed. Ballots can be requested by calling 765-973-9304, emailing voters@waynecounty.in.gov or downloading the form at indianavoters.in.gov/MVPHome/PrintDocuments.
To cast a ballot by mail, voters must meet one of 12 qualifications including factors like being 65 or older, having a disability, caring for a confined individual, working
A version of this article appeared in the March 25 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.