The race for Porter County Clerk was highly competitive on Tuesday night. Valparaiso City Council Member Barbara Domer, representing the 3rd District, maintained a lead of less than 5% over Republican opponent Jackie Haney. The final results will be confirmed after the election certification on November 13.
Barbara Domer, currently in her third year as a city council member, will succeed Jessica Bailey, the outgoing clerk who is moving on after eight years to pursue a role as state comptroller. Domer has previously participated in Indivisible Indiana and the League of Women Voters board. However, she resigned from the board upon winning her seat on the city council by only four votes. “I remind people of my four-vote victory on the city council,” Domer stated, emphasizing her narrow win among 1,800 total votes.
Well-known locally for her tight election win, Domer, an accountant, shows a slightly more comfortable margin in the current race. As she prepares to assume office, her priority will be improving voter turnout. Her campaign motto, “Your vote is your voice,” underscores her belief in civic responsibility over political actions. She added, “Voting is a civic duty as opposed to a political function.” Despite this, Domer recognized that many community members feel their votes don’t matter.
Porter County ranks around the middle statewide for voter turnout in Indiana, a state recognized for having low voter participation. Domer aims to improve these statistics by introducing more vote centers, extending early voting times and locations, and expanding the Votemobile schedule.
Shelley Jones reports freelance for the Post-Tribune.
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