Tara Laird Griffith to run for Shelby County Clerk

Monday, February 9, 2026 at 2:03 PM

Tara Laird Griffith has announced her candidacy for Shelby County Clerk.

With nearly eight years of direct experience in Shelby County government, Tara is more than ready to step into the role of Clerk. She started in the Clerk’s Office in 2016 and was subsequently promoted to the role of felony criminal court reporter under Judge O’Connor and then Judge Meltzer in Circuit Court. She is well-known in the county for being a hard worker, dedicated, and fun and easy to work with.

“I want to make sure the Clerk’s office is a place where the public and employees experience kindness, efficiency, and great customer service,” Tara stated. If elected, she plans to bring back passport processing to the Clerk’s office, a practical improvement that will benefit Shelby County families.

Tara grew up in Manilla and has lived in Shelbyville most of her adult life. She has an associate’s degree in human services and a bachelor’s degree in psychology. She hopes to continue the Laird legacy of being a respected public servant and community advocate.