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Polling Locations Will Be Greatly Reduced For Primary Election

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In response to the coronavirus outbreak, Monroe County will be reducing precinct voting locations with ideas to allow younger volunteers to assist in front desk election. Braydyn explains how the possibility of voting sites will look different in this year’s primary election.

The 2020 Indiana Primary will look different for many Hoosiers this year in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. To stop the spread Monroe County officials are greatly reducing the precinct voting locations only for the rescheduled June 2nd primary.

For the primary to work The Herald-Times stated “As part of the Indiana Election Commission’s order on Friday, precinct-based counties, such as Monroe County, can consolidate adjacent precincts for the upcoming primary election to protect the public and poll workers on Election Day during the pandemic.”

Hal Turner the Republican Party representative and chair of the Monroe County Election Board, says that election officials are hoping to consolidate as much of these 34 Monroe County precincts as they can and is appropriate in response to the coronavirus. According to the Herald-Times, Turner said “Officials have a target of reducing the number of precinct locations to at least five, adding they are working with the state to ensure their consolidation effort is in compliance with all required laws.”

Monroe County Election Supervisor Karen Wheeler said in an email that voters will need to go to their assigned polling location. Many ideas have been addressed regarding voting locations including Edgewood High School, University Elementary School, St. John’s Catholic Church, Binford Elementary, Genesis Church, Monroe County Election Central, the Indian Creek Fire Station, and Sherwood Oaks Christian Church. Wheeler says these locations will be the main spots for polling. She is still waiting for MCCSC’s approval to hold voting sites at district schools.

Another major problem in this year’s election is the need for volunteer helpers and election staff. In years past many of these workers between the ages of 55 and older are the most vulnerable at risk of getting the coronavirus. Now according to Turner, he is encouraging volunteer opportunities for younger people to participate through the election process. Turner said the Republican Party is in dire need of help more than years past. 

There are more options weighing on the table for those in Monroe County, but the option to vote absentee is a highly recommended option. According to Monroe County Chief Deputy Clerk Tressia Martin, she says the parties want the ability to scan ballots as voters come in, even with rules being loosened for this primary, scanning ballots early might conflict with current Indiana law, but Monroe County is still looking for different options.

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