Former Indiana Congressional Candidate Arrested for Allegedly Stealing Election Ballots
In a bizarre twist of events, Larry Savage Jr., a 51-year-old former Republican congressional candidate from Indiana, was arrested this week for allegedly stealing ballots during a public test of the state’s voting system. The incident, which unfolded on October 3, 2024, at the Madison County Government Center, has raised eyebrows and sparked discussions about election integrity and accountability.
Savage, who previously ran for Indiana’s Fifth District seat in the U.S. House of Representatives and finished sixth in the Republican primary with just 1.9% of the vote, was taken into custody on Tuesday. He faces serious charges, including felony destruction or misplacement of ballots and misdemeanor theft. The Indiana State Police announced the arrest, shedding light on the unusual circumstances surrounding the case.
The Incident
The trouble began during a public test of the Voting System Technical Oversight Program (VSTOP), which is designed to ensure that voting machines function correctly before elections. This particular test involved four voting machines and 136 ballots marked for testing. After the test concluded, officials discovered that two ballots were missing from the initial tabulation, prompting an investigation.
Video footage from the event, which was livestreamed on the Madison County government website, allegedly shows Savage folding the ballots and placing them in his pocket. Approximately 12 minutes and 45 seconds into the livestream, viewers can see him roll up the ballots, a moment that would soon lead to his downfall.
The Aftermath
Following the discovery of the missing ballots, authorities obtained a search warrant for Savage’s home, where they found the ballots inside his vehicle. In a rather peculiar turn of events, Savage reportedly approached a woman at the test and commented on the “f—ed up ballots,” seemingly admitting to his actions. He even took to the livestream to joke about the missing ballots, writing, “3 ballots short!!! lol,” and added, “Don’t take anything,” in a tone that many interpreted as flippant.
When confronted by police, Savage claimed he believed the ballots were “sample ballots” and thought it was permissible to take them. “If you go to Payless, or wherever, it says sample and you usually can take a sample,” he explained to officers, attempting to justify his actions. However, investigators found text messages on his phone indicating he was aware that taking the ballots was illegal.
A Political Perspective
Savage’s arrest has sparked conversations about the integrity of elections and the actions of those who seek to uphold democratic processes. On his campaign’s Facebook page, Savage branded himself as a “MAGA Candidate for U.S. Congress 2024,” emphasizing his commitment to “fair, transparent elections.” Ironically, his alleged actions have raised questions about his dedication to those very principles.
After his arrest, Savage was released on a $500 bond, and his first court date has yet to be scheduled. As the story unfolds, many are left wondering how this incident will impact perceptions of election security and the behavior of political candidates in the future.
Conclusion
Larry Savage Jr.’s alleged theft of ballots during a public voting test has not only led to his arrest but has also ignited discussions about election integrity and the responsibilities of those involved in the democratic process. As the legal proceedings move forward, the implications of this incident will likely resonate throughout Indiana and beyond, serving as a reminder of the importance of upholding the values of transparency and accountability in elections.
