Proven Election Leader !
David Shelton
Candidate for Indiana Secretary of State
David Shelton, Knox County Clerk and GOP Chair, is running for Indiana Secretary of State. Throughout his career, David has led secure, transparent elections, earning deep respect from voters and peers across both Indiana and the nation.
A Record of Real Results
Shelton’s proven track record in Knox County highlights his commitment to modernizing election systems. In 2021, he successfully directed the county’s transition to Vote Centers, significantly boosting operational efficiency and voter accessibility. Recognizing opportunities for cost savings, Shelton proposed legislation allowing counties to repurpose retired ePoll Books as electronic sample ballot stations—a solution that swiftly won legislative backing and saved local governments substantial funds.
His forward-thinking leadership has garnered widespread recognition:
- U.S. Election Assistance Commission Honors (2023): Awarded Knox County two of its highest accolades—one for outstanding innovations in election cybersecurity and technology, and another for expanding accessibility for voters with disabilities.
- Clerk of the Year: Named Clerk of the Year a record three times by his peers for his integrity and impact on local election administration.
Shelton’s trusted expertise extends to highly sensitive oversight roles. He has been appointed to four official recount commissions in Clay, Gibson, Dubois, and Delaware counties. A graduate of Ball State University’s CEATS Program (Certificate in Election Administration, Technology, and Security), Shelton stands out as one of Indiana’s most credentialed election officials.
Entrepreneurship and Public Service
Shelton’s public service is deeply informed by decades of private-sector business experience:
- Shelton Specialties, LLC: As founder, he developed a patented election solution that resolves epollbook connection issues. This technology is currently utilized in 35 Indiana counties and nearly 50 counties in Georgia.
- Redistricting, Refined, LLC: Through this venture, he has provided free redistricting services to over 40% of Indiana counties and numerous cities, ensuring fair and accurate local representation.
- Illiana Investigations: Shelton owns and operates this licensed private investigative firm, bringing over 25 years of experience in fraud detection and investigative services across Indiana and Illinois.
Driven by values of problem-solving, innovation, and accountability, Shelton successfully leveraged his professional background to secure the only election fraud conviction in Indiana’s 2020 election.
Beyond elections and business, Shelton serves as Chairman of both the Knox County Housing Authority and the Knox County Public Defender Board. In the latter role, he led cost-saving reforms that helped the county avoid almost $600,000 in public defense expenses annually.
David is a proud Hoosier who believes that strong families are the bedrock of our communities. David and his wife Rachel live in Vincennes with their five children: Philip, Isaac, Luke, Katie, and Matthew.
Why I Am Running:
I am running because I want to do the job, not build a political career. I bring critical ground-level election experience and local government common sense desperately need in our state and federal government. Serving as your Secretary of State would be a labor of love as an election administrator, not a stepping stone. I will focus on serving you, not party bosses.
I remain the only candidate in this race with direct election administration experience, combined with experience as a small business owner and fraud investigator — real-world qualifications that directly align with the responsibilities of the Secretary of State’s office.
I was just asked to participate in a Clay County recount because I am the go-to trusted election expert in Indiana. This is the 4th time I have been asked to voluntarily participate in another county’s recount, which I happily do on my own time and at my own expense as a public servant.
I am the only candidate to win my delegate race—a clear sign that those who know me best trust my leadership. If other candidates cannot win over their own neighbors, they cannot win in November.
With my unique professional background as a private investigator, I am ready to look beneath the surface, to root out fraud in business, elections and within the establishment.
I am the clear choice to secure a victory this fall as the only candidate with the experience to do the job on day one!
Why David Shelton is the Right Choice:
- Focused on the Work: Running to serve, not for political status.
- Grounded Experience: Brings practical, local government common sense to the table.
- True Integrity: Commits to removing personal branding from official office materials.
- Demonstrated Support: The only candidate who won his local delegate race.
- General Election Ready: Possesses the experience needed to win in November.
- Unafraid Accountability: Uses his background as a private investigator to challenge the establishment.
- Party Unifier: The single candidate capable of bringing the party together for a fall victory.