kLo for Change for Clerk of the Court: Join Karla López Owens for Marion County Clerk!

Join us on Thurs. Jan. 8 from 6-8pm at Strangebird Indy in Irvington, as we launch Karla López Owens for Marion County Clerk! 🍹🎉

Hi! My name is Karla López Owens.

Growing up as an immigrant, I couldn’t vote. After gaining my U.S. Citizenship at 18, I never imagined that one day I’d be running for the very office where I first registered to vote.

Today, I am honored to share that I am officially launching my campaign to become the Democratic nominee for the Marion County Clerk of the Court. 🏃🏻‍♀️📋

A Community Bridge

Karla, Attending a Community Town Hall with Late Senator Richard Lugar, in February 2011. As a Teenager, Karla Became More Civically Engaged, Learning the Importance of Understanding Community Issues and Communicating Them to Her Family and Neighbors. Picture Credit to Ana Paola.

This moment is almost as meaningful as the day I voted for the first time. Invoking my right to vote is always full of emotions; I know many people in our communities lack access to the ballot and continue to face barriers that prevent them from exercising their right to vote.

Becoming a citizen and voting are privileges I don’t take for granted. For over 15 years now, I’ve been advocating for accessibility and helping people navigate these complex systems.

Continuing the Work Through This Office

In addition to serving as the official record keeper for the circuit court, the Clerk also oversees county-wide elections by serving as the Secretary to the Marion County Election Board.

I am on a mission to increase Marion County’s historic low voter turnout using every tool available. I am enthusiastic about public service, and I want to make sure that every resident—not just a small handful of people —can access local government services, resources, and the ballot box.

From right to left: Karla, Registering Voters During Bilingual Voter Registration Drive During “Dia de la Familia,” (2011), Karla, Registering Voters During State Sen. Ford’a 2018 Campaign, Karla, Serving on County Council-Appointed Board in 2016 and Karla in 2024 During Indiana Latino Expo, Assisting with Voter Outreach, Education and Form Support.

I am prepared to meet this moment with courage and honesty. Together, we can rebuild trust in local government through transparency and accountability. Through that work, we can start to change the outcome of our circumstances and in that process, create new possibilities for ourselves.

Change in Motion

Drawing on 15 years of experience as a grassroots organizer, community advocate, and public servant, I am ready to take on this role.

I currently work as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney and Director of Community Outreach with the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office. In this role, I help Marion County residents navigate local government systems, provide education and resources. For the past 5 years, I have worked across all nine townships to make government more accessible to the people it serves.

Karla in 2020 Engaging in Voter Protection Work, as INLDC's Voter Education Chair.

My civic experience in also includes serving in volunteer-led organizations like the Indiana Latino Democratic Caucus (INLDC), where I served as President from 2024-2026. Prior to serving as the President, I served as the Voter Education Chair, from 2019-2024. I have also worked hard to support democratic efforts and served as the Indiana Democratic Party, Bilingual Field Organizer in the Fall of 2020.

Bi-Partisan Voting Rights Work

One of the efforts I am most proud of are the Civic and Legislative Health Educational Segments I was a part of with Telemundo Indy, in Partnership with the Indiana Latino Expo in 2024. The segments often featured civic leaders in the State, and focused on:

• How A Bill Becomes a Law and the Indiana General Assembly;

• Indiana Congressional Representatives and Constituency Services;

• How To Register to Vote, an Overview;

• Navigating Law School as a First Generation Student;

• How To Register to Vote, in Depth - and Important Election Information;

• The Role of Local Government Agencies;

• Local Elections and Bilingual Educational Resources; and

• Register to Vote: Step By Step

Karla, hosting Civic Health Segments in 2024 with Telemundo Indy, In Partnership with the Indiana Latino Expo.

I’ve dedicated my adult life to expanding access to these spaces and have made it my mission to break down barriers that prevent people from fully engaging. I am excited to pursue this office as a vehicle to continue this work and hope you consider joining us!

✅ Save the Date!

Join us for our public event, taking place in the wonderful Irvington neighborhood. We will have food, drinks and a silent auction, featuring unique pieces of Mexican art.

📅 Thurs., January 8, 2026 | ⏰ 6-8pm |📍Strangebird Indy, 128 S Audubon Rd. Indianapolis, IN 46219

Everyone is welcome to attend, thank you to everyone who has already RSVP’d and donated! There is still time to RSVP, which you can do by donating below!

Thank you to our generous hosts, Strangebird Indy — and to our featured co-hosts:

• Vanessa López Aguilera,

• Doneisha Posey,

• Elise Shrock,

• Nabeela Virjee, and

• Brian Willsey.

If you’re unable to make it, don’t worry - we will have plenty of opportunities for future involvement, which will be shared on our newsletter.

As always, if you are able to do so: Register to vote. Become a precinct committee person. Volunteer for a cause you believe in. Run for office. Join a grassroots movement like ours - join our campaign. No matter how, I encourage you to take action today. Thank you, I am excited to keep working alongside you. 💜

See you soon,

-Karla

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Primary Elections are Tuesday, May 5, 2026. 🗳️ To register to vote, you can visit Indianavoters.in.gov Please like our page and share our message. We appreciate each and everyone of you. Thank you!