🗣️ Did you know…
Did you know that in the November 2024 election, Marion County had the second lowest voter turnout in the state? See Fewer Hoosiers vote in 2024 than in 2020 and Indiana Secretary of State: election turnout.
Mind you, 2024 was one of the most consequential presidential elections in modern history.
I’m Karla López Owens, & I’m Fighting to Change That 📣
I am on a mission to reverse our historic low voter turnout, improve access to local government services, resources, and the ballot box.
In addition to citing systemic barriers (often created by local leadership), voters also stay home during midterms because of a lack of choices in competitive candidates on the ballot (we see the same people taking turns within local offices).
That’s why I decided to enter this race for Marion County Clerk! 🏃🏻♀️
I want to rebuild trust in local government through increased transparency and accountability, starting with the people that got us here, including my opponent in this primary election incumbent Kate Sweeney Bell, the current Marion County Clerk.
If re-elected, Kate claims she will “continue to work to increase voter turnout…”
However, Low Voter Turnout “baffles” Kate Sweeney Bell:
In 2024, when asked why voter engagement was so low under her leadership, Kate said she was “baffled.”
“I’m baffled when people have such power and choose not the exercise it,” Sweeney Bell said… She said she is disappointed and not sure why people chose to stay home, rather than go vote.
“If I knew why, I could do something about it,” Sweeney Bell said.
-Turnout Tally: Fewer Hoosiers vote in 2024 than in 2020; election workers face more early voting and poll site tensions
🙋🏻♀️ I Know Why Engagement is Low:
Beyond reading report after report after report (2025 Indiana Civic Health Index), I’ve seen firsthand how the system, including people like Kate Sweeney Bell push competent, energized and new voices out.
Dozens of New Voices Rejected & Blocked from the Ballot
This year, Marion County saw an unprecedented number of talented and qualified people excited to participate with the Indiana Democratic Party and the Marion County Democratic Party.
Dozens of new, enthusiastic and young people filed to run for Democratic Party Positions including precinct chairs (i.e. neighborhood captains). These roles serve as a bridge between voters and the Democratic Party, an agency that is supposed to facilitate entry into democracy.
Instead of welcoming these voices, the party shut them out, blocked them from participating and denied many of them access to the ballot. See Mirror Indy: ‘Rules are rules’: Indy Democratic leader rejects candidates.
❓The decision makers during 2026 challenges?
Marion County Democratic Party Chair: Myla Eldridge and
Marion County Democratic County Clerk: Kate Sweeney Bell.
Party Insiders Have a History of Challenging Newcomers
But does it even matter who holds what title and when? It seems like it doesn’t. Peel back the layers and you’ll see the same people (in different roles) making these decisions year after year.
You can watch 2022 challenges here or read about the 2019 blocking of progressive candidates here: “As grassroots liberals rise, Democrats sideline 2 black activists in Indianapolis.”
❓The decision makers during 2022 and 2019 challenges?
Marion County Democratic Party Chair: Kate Sweeney Bell and
Marion County Democratic County Clerk: Myla Eldridge.
(Same decision makers, different roles, same results. I know, it blurs together. To see past Marion County Election Board Meetings and agenda minutes, you can also click here.)
I’m fighting against this civic apathy and disillusionment. I want to rebuild trust in local government through increased transparency and accountability. I’m fighting to make these agencies more accessible and representative of our communities.
Thank you to everyone who has joined this effort.
✅ Support kLo Team at the Polls: Happy Cinco de Mayo!
Join us and become part of the team on Election Day at the Polls! 🗓️ Tues., May, 5| ⏰ 6 AM-6 PM EST (various shifts)|📍 Choose your location below!
Running to be the next Marion County Clerk has been such a privilege and an amazing exercise in democracy. Thank you for helping me meet this moment. 💜
I hope you consider voting for me on Tuesday, MAY 5! 🗳️ Click here to see the 2026 Primary Election Vote Centers.
Thank you! The tide is turning, but we need to keep going! 👏🏼