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Campaign Phone
574-575-3096
I think the biggest challenge I would face if elected would be to clear up communication gaps. Not only between the Clerk's Office and the public, but also the Clerk's Office and the other departments in the County we have to work closely with. I would also be in for a lot of learning and skill gaining as far as elections specifically go. I have helped a few times with elections but I know there is so much more about that process then I even realize exist at this point.
I would want to be more personally involved in the process. I know there is a lot of wonderful volunteers who are either doing this for the first time, or have continued to return and help. I want to see what's been working for them and how we can get them to all return in the future. I would want to show my face at the early voting locations periodically to let them know I didn't forget them and see if they're needing anything. I want to learn more about the departments we rely on to help with this process, such as the Voters Registration. I know of the workers but would need to get a better relationship with them to build the trust and communication. I would have to learn more in depth about this process to truly give a better educated answer on this.
This kind of falls back on my improvements with election administration. I know the machines just all got a nice upgrade this year, and I think that was one of the biggest steps in making sure things are secure. Making sure the people are being able to vote would be really getting the word out there. There are so many wonderful groups within the Republican community that I wasn't aware of before becoming a Candidate. If I as a clerk was unaware of so many resources, I can imagine the same is for the general public. Meaning, all the beautiful updates and voting locations and websites that are available, aren't reaching enough people. I would constantly be trying to get information online to reach as many voters as I could, as well as utilizing our counters at the Clerk's Office with handouts of the dates and times for voting.
I would have to look at the numbers. What locations have the biggest turn outs, are there other Churches or public buildings that could be being used but aren't? Is this more of a volunteer problem verses a location problem? I would need to get that information to really get the best logical solution.
Ethics is huge for me. I have had enough months with our building combined to get a feel for what departments could use a shift in training and task. Even if all the clerks are technically in their own divisions, we should really remember we all have the same goal still. Getting our job done efficiently and as accurately as possible. Our goal should never be about being correct against the other end of the counter or phone, but reaching the understanding to listed and fully understand the problem at hand so we can really be giving the best help. With internal controls, it's all safer to cross train. When one person if the only one with information on a category, things can get messy and done wrong. Meanwhile no one would know any different who hasn't learned that specific process. Always have more than one set on eyes on something.
The way we respond. Most days I try to live by "it's not what you say, it's how you say it". Once we show the public that we can listen and understand, not just listen to reply; both parties will feel so much less tension and the communication gap will naturally start to close. I want the public to feel like they aren't a burden for just asking questions. I think sometimes it's too easy for a clerk to think our job knowledge is also common knowledge. It's simply not, we only know it because we work here. It's important to remember that when we speak.
I love physical paperwork. I would be using the counters and having the staff ready on hand with information for the public to access. If you follow my Candidate Facebook, I really do just strive to be helpful. I don't see the point in using language that only politics understand, I am trying to make sure the average Joe can find it useful. If I have the knowledge, I want it shared. I don't believe in hoarding information at all. I would also be keeping my Facebook updated with useful information for the public to navigate, unfortunately if I lose election, I will be deleting my Candidate page since it will no longer be needed. I hope what I have been able to post has at least helped a hand full of people.
Education
Bachelor of Science Business Administration, Management
Campaign Email
ppickens67@gmail.com
Occupation/Current Position
Clerk of the Circuit Court
Campaign Phone
574-370-1222
The Clerk’s office faces a core challenge of broken trust — with judges, court staff, county departments, and the public. This has manifested as strained working relationships, inconsistent procedures, delayed records, and reduced confidence in our service and accountability. Operationally, weaknesses in communication, outdated processes, and gaps in staff training have compounded the problem and increased errors and frustration for internal partners and residents alike. Restoring trust will require clear, consistent communication with the judiciary and county partners; process standardization and timely recordkeeping; upgraded technology to improve access and reliability; regular staff training focused on customer service and compliance; and transparent performance metrics and reporting to rebuild public confidence.
Improving election administration is a top priority. In my first three and a half months as Clerk of the Circuit Court, I have already increased transparency and oversight by holding more Election Board meetings in the first quarter of 2026 than were held in the previous two years combined. I believe it is essential to keep the County Election Board fully informed, so I have maintained open and consistent communication with its members and will continue to do so.
Additionally, responsible budget management is a key part of effective election administration. In the past, the County Election Board did not have the opportunity to review the election budget. Moving forward, I am committed to presenting the budget to the Board so members understand what it includes and have a clear picture of the costs associated with running elections.
In my first three months of serving as Clerk, several steps have been taken to strengthen election security and oversight. More Election Board meetings have been held in 2026 than in the previous two years combined under prior leadership. New procedures have been implemented to ensure bipartisan representation during early voting, including joint oversight of unused and completed ballots. Daily completed ballots are secured, sealed, and transported with representatives from both parties present. Upon arrival at the Voter Registration office, both parties oversee receipt and storage. Ballots are placed in a secured office requiring two separate locks—one controlled by each party—ensuring that access is only possible with bipartisan participation and oversight.
Vote Centers should be evaluated based on security, location, accessibility, and ADA compliance. The Election Board plays a key role in approving these sites. The goal is to ensure there are enough well-placed locations throughout the county so all voters have reasonable access and the opportunity to cast their vote.
I will provide comprehensive training that ties technical proficiency to the ethical duty of maintaining court integrity. Adding Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the different functions within the office and establishing a regular audit/review of our processes and internal controls to ensure our documented procedures are being strictly followed to ensure compliance with legal and statutory requirements.
To protect public resources, our office maintains strong internal controls through diligent timeclock monitoring and compliance with county policies. These measures ensure transparency and the responsible use of taxpayer funds in our operations.
Rebuilding and improving public trust is essential to the success in the Clerk's office. A key part of that effort is ensuring staff are properly trained and equipped with the knowledge needed to accurately and professionally assist the public. Just as important is providing responsive service—making sure phones are answered and messages are returned promptly. By prioritizing professionalism, transparency, and timely communication, we can strengthen public confidence in the Clerk’s office.
Improving court support and public access to records requires strong communication and thoughtful use of technology. Maintaining open, ongoing dialogue with court staff, judges, and magistrates helps ensure the Clerk’s office is responsive to the needs of the court and operates efficiently.
In addition, exploring technology solutions to make certain records—where permitted by law—accessible online can greatly improve public access. Providing secure, online options would offer added convenience and reduce the need for individuals to visit the Clerk’s office in person, while still maintaining compliance with all legal requirements.
