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(Indianapolis)--In synchronization with the U.S. Naval Observatory time clock in Washington, D.C., Indiana Secretary of State Todd Rokita officially closed the candidate filing process at the Indiana Statehouse today at exactly 12pm noon in accordance with state law and in anticipation of the May 6 primary (IC 3-8-3-5).

Secretary Rokita, who serves as the state's chief election officer, personally accepted many of the filings throughout the filing period which began on Jan. 23 and congratulated candidates for participating in the democratic process.

"We've had a large number of filings over the past month," Rokita said. "Competition is what built this country and it's what makes this country great. I applaud any candidate who puts his or her name on the line to run for office. They deserve our utmost respect and appreciation for keeping our system strong."

In between the first candidate filing and the last, a total of 540 candidates completed the required paperwork needed to run for office: six for U.S. President, three for Governor, 44 for U.S. Representative, 69 for State Senate, 194 for State Representative, 51 for Circuit Court Judge, 169 for Superior Court Judge and four for County Court Judge.

In comparison to four years ago, the number of candidates overall increased. In 2004, there were seven candidates for U.S. President, three for Governor, 35 for U.S. Representative, 40 for State Senate, 181 for State Representative, 51 for Circuit Court Judge and 24 for Superior Court Judge for a total of 334 candidates filings.

With a voter registration deadline of April 7, Rokita urges residents to carefully consider each of the candidates before the May primary. "I strongly encourage voters to thoroughly inspect the candidates," Rokita said. "This is an important decision and shouldn't be taken lightly. Every one of the elected officials should be scrutinized."

Up to date candidate information is posted at www.in.gov/sos/elections. Additional information can be obtained by calling 317-232-3939.