Barbara Domer Edges Ahead in Tight Race for Porter County Clerk

The Porter County Clerk race was notably close on Tuesday night, with Barbara Domer, a member of the Valparaiso City Council, leading her opponent Jackie Haney by under 5% of the votes. This narrow lead comes as all ballots have been counted, although finalization awaits election certification on November 13.

Domer, a Democrat in her third year on the city council, is poised to take over from Jessica Bailey, the outgoing Porter County Clerk. Bailey, who has completed eight years in the role, is transitioning to a run for state comptroller. Domer’s political experience includes serving Indivisible Indiana and the League of Women Voters, both roles she relinquished upon securing her council seat by a mere four vote margin, out of 1,800 votes cast.

Domer, also an accountant, recalls her narrow victory as a testament to each vote’s importance. Her campaign slogan, ‘Your vote is your voice,’ emphasizes her focus on improving voter turnout. She advocates for seeing voting as a civic responsibility rather than solely a political act, aiming to resonate throughout Porter County.

Despite current voter turnout placing Porter County around the median compared to other counties in Indiana, Domer recognizes the state’s overall low turnout rates. Her strategies include establishing additional vote centers, enhancing early voting opportunities, and expanding the schedule for the Votemobile, all efforts aimed at increasing voter engagement.

Shelley Jones reports for the Post-Tribune.