Bartholomew County Clerk Jay Phelps will step down from his elected position to accept a new role at the Indiana Secretary of State’s Office working on election modernization.
The 31-year-old Republican formally submitted his letter of resignation Monday to Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb and Bartholomew County Republican Party Chair Luann Welmer, stating he will join the secretary of state’s office as director of election modernization, administration and special projects.
Phelps is in his second term as clerk after being elected in 2014, organizing local voting in two presidential elections, including last year’s contest, which saw record turnout and unprecedented logistical challenges amid a pandemic.
His term was set to expire Dec. 31, 2022, and he will serve his last day in office on Friday, he said.
Bartholomew County Deputy Clerk Julie Robertson has been named interim clerk until Phelps’ replacement is chosen by a GOP caucus.
“It has been an honor of a lifetime serving as the Bartholomew County Clerk and just working with everybody from poll workers, staff, my office, the judges and then, of course, voters and the public,” Phelps said. “I have just been so blessed to be able to be in this position and just learn. I’ve learned so much, and I’ve grown so much, and that’s all because of the people around me, the folks here in this county.”
Welmer has 10 days to notify Republican precinct committeemen of Phelps’ resignation, Phelps said. The committeemen will then hold a caucus to select a replacement to serve out the rest of Phelps’ term, though no date for the caucus has been set at this time.
Welmer, who became the local GOP party chairwoman last month, said the party will try to fill the position as soon as possible.
“I’m really excited for him,” Welmer said. “It’s wonderful, and I know he will definitely excel in this position. His knowledge of the election process and principles that he’s already implemented can be shared throughout the state. It really does reflect well for Bartholomew County and the city that they’ve chosen someone with such knowledge that we can use as a resource in the future.”
Phelps said he is excited to join Indiana Secretary of State Holli Sullivan’s office. The position was recently created and Phelps will be the first director of election modernization, administration and special projects.
Sullivan was tapped last month by Holcomb to replace retiring Secretary of State Connie Lawson.
Phelps started his career as Bartholomew County elections deputy in 2011 before running for Bartholomew County clerk on the Republican ticket in 2014 after then-clerk Tammy Hines completed her second term.
In the GOP primary that year, Phelps defeated Karen Aud with 55% of the vote and then defeated Democratic challenger Rose Johnson with 69% of the vote. Phelps ran unopposed in 2018.
Phelps said he plans to continue residing in Bartholomew County and commute to Indianapolis for his new role.
In a statement Monday, Phelps said he will “miss the office, staff and all the familiar faces.”
“It was my mission to serve the community I love by bringing a fresh perspective to the county clerk’s office, and I am extremely proud of my staff and what we have accomplished together,” Phelps said.
