A former Republican congressional candidate, Larry Savage, has been arrested and charged with ballot theft after allegedly pocketing two ballots during a test of voting machines in Madison County, Indiana, state police confirmed.
The incident took place on October 3 during an election system test involving 136 candidate ballots across four voting machines. Officials noticed two ballots were missing, prompting an investigation that ultimately led to Savage’s arrest.
Savage, 51, who serves as a precinct committeeman, was reportedly caught on surveillance video folding and pocketing the test ballots.
A subsequent search of his vehicle uncovered the missing ballots, according to police reports.
“This conduct is completely unacceptable, and we appreciate law enforcement’s efforts to maintain election integrity,” said Griffin Reid, communications director for the Indiana Republican Party, adding that the party condemns all criminal election interference.
Savage, who ran unsuccessfully for the Republican nomination in Indiana’s Fifth Congressional District, now faces charges of ballot theft and mishandling. Released on bond, he maintains his innocence, alleging that the charges are exaggerated.
The incident has reignited debate over election integrity in a state where voter fraud is rare, especially in light of ongoing claims from former President Donald Trump and some Republicans regarding past election security.
Ex-Republican congressional candidate arrested for alleged ballot theft in Indiana