Indiana § 3-12-2-12 - Preservation of receptacle containing envelope or bag; contest of election; disposition of envelope or bag; use of ballots for election research
Full text of Indiana Indiana Code § 3-12-2-12 — Preservation of receptacle containing envelope or bag; contest of election; disposition of envelope or bag; use of ballots for election research, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 3-12-2-12. Preservation of receptacle containing envelope or bag; contest of election; disposition of envelope or bag; use of ballots for election research
Sec. 12. (a) The circuit court clerk shall preserve the receptacle containing the envelope or bag in the clerk's office for the period required under IC 3-10-1-31.1. However, if the election is contested, then the clerk shall preserve the receptacle containing the envelope or bag as long as the contest is undetermined. During those periods the clerk shall keep the receptacle securely locked, subject only to an order of the court trying a contest.
(b) When permitted under IC 3-10-1-31.1, the clerk and county election board member of the opposite political party shall remove the envelope or bag from the receptacle and destroy the envelope or bag.
(c) A county election board may contract with a state educational institution to dispose of ballots. The contract must provide that:
(1) the ballots will be used by the state educational institution to conduct election research; and
(2) the state educational institution may not receive any ballots under this subsection until the period for retention under IC 3-10-1-31.1 has expired.
[Pre-1986 Recodification Citations: 3-1-5-12 part; 3-1-25-3 part; 3-1-25-4 part.]
As added by P.L.5-1986, SEC.8. Amended by P.L.7-1986, SEC.4; P.L.3-1987, SEC.345; P.L.3-1993, SEC.182; P.L.14-2004, SEC.157; P.L.2-2007, SEC.15; P.L.193-2021, SEC.84.
Source: official Indiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana § 3-12-2-12
What does Indiana Code § 3-12-2-12 cover?
Section 3-12-2-12 ("Preservation of receptacle containing envelope or bag; contest of election; disposition of envelope or bag; use of ballots for election research") 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 § 3-12-2-12?
A common citation format is "Indiana Code § 3-12-2-12" (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 § 3-12-2-12 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.