(INDIANAPOLIS) - A judge has ordered three counties to stop sending absentee ballots in a closely watched Indiana Senate primary tied to a dispute over a candidate's eligibility.
Clay County Circuit Court Judge David Thomas issued the order Wednesday, directing clerks in Vigo, Clay and Sullivan counties to immediately halt mailing ballots for the District 38 Republican primary.
The move comes as a legal challenge continues over whether candidate Alexandra Wilson should remain on the ballot due to a 2010 criminal case. Her attorney argues the case was ultimately treated as a misdemeanor, keeping her eligible to run.
The dispute has drawn added attention because President Donald Trump has endorsed another candidate, Brenda Wilson, in the race against incumbent Republican Senator Greg Goode.
Last month, the Indiana Election Commission split 2-2 on the challenge to Alexandra Wilson's candidacy, leaving her name on the ballot.
A separate motion to change judges in the case is still pending as the legal battle continues ahead of the May 5 primary.