Indiana § 3-12-8-1 - Persons entitled to contest
Full text of Indiana Indiana Code § 3-12-8-1 — Persons entitled to contest, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 3-12-8-1. Persons entitled to contest
Sec. 1. (a) This section does not apply to a challenge filed before an election to the eligibility of a candidate nominated by petition for election to an office. The challenge described by this subsection must be conducted in accordance with IC 3-8-1-2.
(b) Any candidate for nomination or election to a local or school board office may contest the nomination or election of a candidate who is declared nominated or elected to the office, except a candidate who:
(1) receives the most votes in a primary election; and
(2) is certified as deceased under IC 3-8-7-1.
(c) If a candidate who is entitled to contest the nomination or election of a candidate under this chapter does not file a petition within the period established by section 5 of this chapter, the county chairman of a political party of which the candidate entitled to file a petition under this chapter was a member may file a petition to contest the nomination or election of a candidate. A county chairman is entitled to contest an election under this chapter only in a partisan race.
(d) This subsection applies to an election for a school board office. If there is no candidate who is entitled to contest the election of another candidate to a school board office, a voter of the school corporation may file a petition to contest the election of the candidate.
[Pre-1986 Recodification Citation: 3-1-28-1.]
As added by P.L.5-1986, SEC.8. Amended by P.L.10-1988, SEC.152; P.L.4-1996, SEC.79; P.L.176-1999, SEC.99; P.L.14-2000, SEC.7; P.L.194-2013, SEC.79; P.L.278-2019, SEC.149.
Source: official Indiana text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Indiana § 3-12-8-1
What does Indiana Code § 3-12-8-1 cover?
Section 3-12-8-1 ("Persons entitled to contest") 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 § 3-12-8-1?
A common citation format is "Indiana Code § 3-12-8-1" (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 § 3-12-8-1 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.