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VOTE411 Voter Guide

Monroe County Clerk

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    Tanner Dale Branham
    (Dem)

  • Candidate picture

    Joe Davis
    (Dem)

  • Candidate picture

    Julie M. Hays
    (Rep)

  • Candidate picture

    Tree Martin Lucas
    (Dem)

Biographical Information

1. What motivated you to run for this office?

2. How can technology be used to streamline day-to-day operations of the County Clerk’s Office and make services more easily accessible?

3. What challenges might the county face in conducting future elections and how would you address them?

4. What policies would you pursue to encourage voter engagement and turnout?

Email address Tbranham9323@gmail.com
Education B.S Political Science, Indiana State University
I have been a dedicated member of our democratic party and a lifelong enthusiastic participant in the electoral process. Growing up my dad was a public office holder serving on the Lawrence County Council and as the Sheriff of Lawrence County. Helping him campaign as a kid instilled in me a deep appreciation for the political process. This led me to get a degree in Political Science and become an active political volunteer. These experiences let me see the importance of the Clerk’s office firsthand. I am running to ensure that Monroe County has the best elections possible.
I spent 6 years working in IT at IU as a Web Services Specialist. I will bring a strong background in technology with me to the Clerk’s office. Utilizing project management methods and software will allow me to ensure that the office runs smoothly. Ensuring that filings are processed quickly and efficiently, maintaining documentation and accessible online public data, such as candidate filings, are key components of the office. My previous work has given me the experience and tools to execute on these demands.
Restricted funding, voter ID laws, reduced vote hours are all challenges that state or federal governments have brought or attempted to bring to us. I plan to focus on better voter outreach to ensure that voters are informed of what they need to vote and where. I will be an advocate against harmful bills at the state level that attempt to undermine our elections. I will make mindful decisions with respect to our reduced budget to ensure that the office is running as efficiently as possible.
I am a strong advocate for bringing vote centers to Monroe County. Vote centers are essential in making our elections more accessible. I want to work towards increasing voter registration particularly by working with existing registration partners such as the BMV to ensure that they are processing voting registrations in a timely manner. I plan to improve voter access to information through better voter outreach, utilizing modern methods like social media as well as traditional methods such as mailers.
Email address balebuilder@gmail.com
Education Legal Studies; Entrepreneurship; Sustainable Systems; Achitectural Design & Build
Occupation Practicing Jurist at Law; Community Caretaker
As a practicing Jurist at Law who has filed into or has been a witness in half of the Court divisions of the Zietlow Justice Center, also having filed into Greene and Owen County Courts, and experience as a CASA, I have seen where the blind spots are as a user.

Sometimes, inaccuracies, or mistakes on the part of the Clerk's Office can compound, and later be burdensome to correct.

As Clerk, I will put into place checks, systems that will ensure greater accuracy in filings and Records Management. Also, I will institute an outgoing email to every person who interacts with the Clerk's Office. This email will state, "Hey! We have recently received, from you, a payment, a filing. Can you please check it for accuracy? Correct is best."
The Clerk for the Circuit Court must meet the people where they are at. This means using the tools of social media - facebook, instagram, TikTok, etc. - to connect, educate, and receive the feedback of the People to better serve the People.

Increasing the number of self-help kiosks in the Clerk's Office will also help the community member to better find the many resources that the State of Indiana Courts have created to inform the population as to how the Courts function and how they may be easily accessed both in person, and online.

Additionally, I will lobby to increase the number of locations for the Free Indiana Legal Help Kiosks in libraries, and government buildings both inside and outside of our population centers.
During this time of blatant voter disenfranchisement of the GLBTQ+, Black, Brown, and other communities by the powers that be, my charge, as Clerk, will be to Capture Lightning on the Ballot. This means removing the barriers to voters access to the ballot in registration and election participation. It also means removing the barriers for potential candidates to access the ballot.

With a greater number of voters, and candidates, we can have a rich conversation that leaves us with solutions that are somewhere in the middle. Not at polar extremes. This will ensure greater equity, integrity, and a community spirit that supports all.

This is not the perfect representative government that we hoped for, but it is a better, and improving one.
The first step in gaining the engagement of voters to participate in elections is to remind them of how truly powerful they are. This simple act of one person one vote might be the difference maker in the realization of the future that they wish to see.

With this new found power, this individual might then go on to cross another to do on their list, and the momentum grows! Before they know it, there life has changed. They are not only powerful, but they have now become a Beacon for others to gain their Power, too!

This is how a community supports and up-lifts each other. Let no one ever be a victim again. We are powerful. We are the future of Monroe Co.

This upcoming May, the 4th, and election day, May, the Courts be with You!
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Email address treeforclerk@gmail.com
Education IU Graduate BS Elementary Education
Occupation self employed
My decision to run for Clerk of the Circuit Courts is grounded in my long-standing commitment to public service, respect for the law, and belief that experience, accuracy, and integrity matter. Through my work in county administration and my direct experience in election operations, I have seen how essential proper procedure, organization, and clear communication are to maintaining public trust. The clerk’s office demands precision, accountability, and professionalism. I am prepared to serve with transparency, efficiency, and dedication, ensuring records are accurate, processes are reliable, and every citizen is treated with fairness and respect. I bring practical knowledge, steady leadership, and proven dedication to public service
Technology already plays a vital role in the Clerk’s Office through Odyssey and e-filing. The goal is not constant reinvention, but maximizing the systems we have. Fully using Odyssey’s workflow automation, templates, reporting tools, and task management can reduce manual work, minimize errors, and improve efficiency. Ongoing staff training and consistent procedures ensure reliability and stability. Expanding automated notifications enhances communication and compliance. Strengthening online portals improves public access to payments, records, and information. Continued digitization reduces storage needs and speeds retrieval. Secure use of technology protects data integrity and accountability,
Conducting elections is a core responsibility of county government. Future success depends on preparation, transparency, security, and clear communication. Maintaining voter trust, training staff, protecting systems, adapting to legal changes, and ensuring voter access are essential priorities. Consistent procedures, reliable technology, and steady leadership help elections remain accurate, fair, and resilient. Addressing misinformation, strengthening cybersecurity, managing resources responsibly, and communicating clearly with the public further protect election integrity and reinforce confidence in both the process and the outcome. Careful planning, accountability, and collaboration ensure elections remain accessible, secure, and trusted.
The Clerk’s Office plays an important role in promoting voter engagement and participation by ensuring election information is clear, accurate, and easy to access. I would prioritize proactive communication about registration deadlines, early voting opportunities, polling locations, and voting procedures. Expanding public awareness through community outreach, user-friendly materials, and accessible online resources can reduce confusion and encourage participation. Supporting convenient voting options, maintaining transparency, and collaborating with the election board and community partners help build trust. When voters feel informed, confident, and supported, turnout naturally improves and civic involvement is strengthened.