Indiana § 3-5-7-5 - Designations used on ballot
Full text of Indiana Indiana Code § 3-5-7-5 — Designations used on ballot, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 3-5-7-5. Designations used on ballot
Sec. 5. (a) A candidate may use on the ballot any combination of designations permitted by this section.
(b) A candidate may not use on the ballot a designation other than a designation permitted by this section.
(c) Subject to subsections (d) and (e), a candidate may use designations on the ballot as follows:
(1) The first designation that a candidate uses on the ballot may be one (1) of the following:
(A) The candidate's legal given name.
(B) The initial of the candidate's legal given name.
(C) The candidate's legal middle name.
(D) The initial of the candidate's legal middle name.
(E) The candidate's nickname.
(2) After the designation used under subdivision (1), a candidate may use any of the following designations if not used under subdivision (1):
(A) The candidate's legal middle name.
(B) The initial of the candidate's legal middle name.
(C) The candidate's nickname.
(D) The candidate's legal surname.
(3) After a designation used under subdivision (2), a candidate may use the following if not used under subdivision (1) or (2):
(A) The candidate's nickname.
(B) The candidate's legal surname.
(4) After a designation used under subdivision (3), a candidate may use the candidate's legal surname on the ballot if not used under subdivision (2) or (3).
(5) After a candidate's legal surname, a candidate may use any of the following designations:
(A) Sr.
(B) Jr.
(C) A numerical designation such as "II" or "III".
(d) A candidate may use a nickname on the ballot only if the nickname satisfies the following:
(1) The nickname is a name by which the candidate is commonly known.
(2) The nickname does not exceed twenty (20) characters.
(3) The nickname complies with subsection (e).
(4) Unless the candidate uses the nickname as the first designation under subsection (c)(1), notwithstanding any other method of designation used by a candidate or in a document declaring or consenting to the individual's candidacy, any nickname permitted under this section must be set forth on the ballot within parentheses.
(e) A candidate may not use a:
(1) title or degree as a designation; or
(2) designation that implies a title or degree.
As added by P.L.202-1999, SEC.1. Amended by P.L.278-2019, SEC.3.
Source: official Indiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana § 3-5-7-5
What does Indiana Code § 3-5-7-5 cover?
Section 3-5-7-5 ("Designations used on ballot") is part of the Indiana Code, the codified statutory law of Indiana. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Indiana § 3-5-7-5?
A common citation format is "Indiana Code § 3-5-7-5" (Indiana). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Indiana law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Indiana official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Indiana attorney.
How does Indiana § 3-5-7-5 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Indiana can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Indiana.