Independent candidate Greg Ballard sought a preliminary injunction compelling the commission to convene before voters cast ballots. The commission’s next scheduled meeting to hear the complaints is in late November.

Judge Jennifer Harrison ruled that Ballard had not shown he was likely to win the case or that he would suffer concrete harm if the commission did not meet sooner. She also warned that forcing a meeting less than two weeks before Election Day could undermine confidence in the election process and risk confusing voters.

The complaints involve Democratic candidate Beau Bayh and Republican candidate Max Engling. One concerns a $60,000 contribution to Engling that his campaign says it returned promptly. Other complaints concern events Bayh attended that were not disclosed.

Ballard’s attorney argued that voters should have the chance to hear the complaints because they involve his opponents. Ballard said in a statement that he was exploring legal options, arguing that the law should protect voters from political maneuvering. Republican David Shelton, who joined Ballard’s suit earlier this month, has called for a hearing about the donor behind the Engling contribution, a group affiliated with U.S. Sen. Jim Banks.

The ruling leaves the complaints for the commission’s later meeting, after Election Day. Ballard said both major-party candidates had publicly supported a pre-election meeting.