Posted on November 21, 2019
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
The Starke County Election Board members Wednesday morning discussed their initial thoughts since the rollout of the draft Vote Center plan during the joint meeting of the Starke County Council and Commissioners on Monday, Nov. 18.
A move to a Vote Center would create only seven locations for voters in Starke County to cast a ballot. Under the proposed plan, a voter can cast a ballot at any of the seven locations. Currently, voters are locked into their individual precinct to vote.
Two satellite voting locations are included in the draft plan for early voting for six days prior to Election Day and that schedule could be extended, based upon conversations during the board’s meeting on Wednesday morning.
Several written comment cards were read into the record, as well as two verbal comments from registered voters during the meeting, and all comments pointed toward the desire to move forward with a Vote Center plan and become a Vote Center county. With the move, it is anticipated to save the county money, and reduce wait time at the polling site.
However, Board Member Harrison Fields still is unsure about the movement toward a Vote Center at this time.
“Why, why in the world really do we want to do this next year in a major Presidential Election? I don’t think so! Think about it,” commented Fields.
He added that he has several questions about the plan before he feels it’s appropriate to deliver his opinion on it. When prompted by Proxy Martin Bedrock, Fields asked about specific parking spots at each Vote Center and whether connectivity issues will be resolved prior to Election Day with the required use of ePollbooks if the county moves to Vote Centers.
In response to Fields’ concerns, Clerk Bernadette Welter-Manuel stated that the number of ADA accessible parking spots at each proposed location was recorded and meets the requirements. Fields wanted to know if the total available number of parking spots had to be included in the statistics. Welter-Manuel said that is not required. It was indicated that isn’t a current requirement.
If any registered voter would like to comment on the proposed Vote Center plan, submit a comment in writing on a form available in the Starke County Clerk’s Office in the Starke County Courthouse. A copy of the draft plan is also available there.
Showing posts with label Starke Co. Election Board. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Starke Co. Election Board. Show all posts
Friday, November 22, 2019
Tuesday, November 19, 2019
Starke County Election Board Presents Draft Vote Center Plan to Public
Posted on November 19, 2019
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
On behalf of the Starke County Election Board, Starke County Clerk Bernadette Welter-Manuel presented a draft Vote Center Plan to the public during Monday night’s joint Starke County Council and Commissioners meeting.
The plan, which is accessible at the clerk’s office in the Starke County Courthouse and the Auditor’s Office in the Starke County Annex No. 1 building in Knox, outlines voter statistics and precincts; Vote Center and satellite Vote Center locations; the Vote Center flow chart; poll workers and procedures for Election Day; dates, locations and hours of operation; equipment and technology; a security plan; emergency response; Starke County precinct data; and election results.
According to the plan, there would be seven Vote Center locations at the Koontz Lake Property Owners Building, Hamlet Fire James R. Hardesty Community Building, Washington Township Community Building, Nancy J. Dembowski Community Center in Knox, North Judson-Wayne Township Fire Department, San Pierre Fire Department, and the Bass Lake-California Township Fire Department on Election Day. Any eligible Starke County voter can vote at any location on Election Day.
Voters will sign an ePollbook upon arrival at the Vote Center in order to cast a ballot, which will also be used with in-person absentee voting, Travel Board voting, and at each Satellite voting location. Satellite voting locations will be at the Koontz Lake Property Owners Association Building and the North Judson-Wayne Township Public Library two Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays prior to Election Day.
Absentee voting will be offered 28 days prior to Election Day.
The draft plan is up for public comment until Jan. 2. Written comments may be produced and filed with the Clerk’s Office or Election Board. Comment forms are available at the clerk’s office and will soon be available on the county’s website at co.starke.in.us. Verbal comments are welcome during the next Starke County Election Board meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 20 at 9:30 a.m. in the second floor conference room in the Starke County Courthouse.
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
On behalf of the Starke County Election Board, Starke County Clerk Bernadette Welter-Manuel presented a draft Vote Center Plan to the public during Monday night’s joint Starke County Council and Commissioners meeting.
The plan, which is accessible at the clerk’s office in the Starke County Courthouse and the Auditor’s Office in the Starke County Annex No. 1 building in Knox, outlines voter statistics and precincts; Vote Center and satellite Vote Center locations; the Vote Center flow chart; poll workers and procedures for Election Day; dates, locations and hours of operation; equipment and technology; a security plan; emergency response; Starke County precinct data; and election results.
According to the plan, there would be seven Vote Center locations at the Koontz Lake Property Owners Building, Hamlet Fire James R. Hardesty Community Building, Washington Township Community Building, Nancy J. Dembowski Community Center in Knox, North Judson-Wayne Township Fire Department, San Pierre Fire Department, and the Bass Lake-California Township Fire Department on Election Day. Any eligible Starke County voter can vote at any location on Election Day.
Voters will sign an ePollbook upon arrival at the Vote Center in order to cast a ballot, which will also be used with in-person absentee voting, Travel Board voting, and at each Satellite voting location. Satellite voting locations will be at the Koontz Lake Property Owners Association Building and the North Judson-Wayne Township Public Library two Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays prior to Election Day.
Absentee voting will be offered 28 days prior to Election Day.
The draft plan is up for public comment until Jan. 2. Written comments may be produced and filed with the Clerk’s Office or Election Board. Comment forms are available at the clerk’s office and will soon be available on the county’s website at co.starke.in.us. Verbal comments are welcome during the next Starke County Election Board meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 20 at 9:30 a.m. in the second floor conference room in the Starke County Courthouse.
Monday, November 18, 2019
Raises Proposed for Starke County Poll Workers But Meal Concerns Remain
Posted on November 18, 2019
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
Starke County poll workers may be getting a bigger raise than previously proposed, but not all election board members are on board with the proposed changes. Clerk Bernadette Welter-Manuel presented the rest of the board with some options, when it comes to poll worker pay.
Some of the ideas include raising the training pay from $10 to $25 and giving the lead facilitator under the vote center model a $10 increase over what judges currently make, since they’ll be required to return to the courthouse after the polls close.
But the biggest change the clerk is suggesting is that rather than giving every poll worker three meals a day, another $35 would be added to their pay. Board Member Harrison Fields continued to argue against that, saying that all the poll workers he’s talked to would quit. “I’m telling you people right now, there is not one poll worker in the past that’s going to work next spring unless they get the three meals they’re getting this year,” he said. “I’m telling you this right now.”
The rest of the election board disputed that. “I have a whole bunch that will,” said Welter-Manuel. “They want the $35 raise.”
Welter-Manuel told Fields that the county council removed all funding from the food line item in the 2020 budget. “Then let me ask you this, Harrison. What are we going to do with food?” the clerk asked. “Are you going to pay for it out of your pocket? Because my budget has zero for food. I have no way to pay for food. This is the only way they’re going to get food is by this way, taking it out of their pay budget.”
“Well, I disagree with you,” Fields said. “I think the election has to be paid for by the county.”
“Food does not have to be paid for by the county,” Welter-Manuel replied.
Welter-Manuel pointed out that the proposed vote center sites have refrigerators and microwaves, and most have full kitchens. Additionally, the poll workers could decide to pool their money and order food.
She added that many counties are planning raises for poll workers next year, and her proposal would help Starke County keep up. “So it sounds like a lot right now, until everybody else around us does their raises, and then we’ll be pushed back down to the middle again, anyway,” she explained. “I think our workers work an extra long time, and I do not believe that we need to be at the bottom of that pay list.”
Welter-Manuel said there’s enough money in the 2020 budget to support the raises, as long as the county switches to vote centers.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
Starke County poll workers may be getting a bigger raise than previously proposed, but not all election board members are on board with the proposed changes. Clerk Bernadette Welter-Manuel presented the rest of the board with some options, when it comes to poll worker pay.
Some of the ideas include raising the training pay from $10 to $25 and giving the lead facilitator under the vote center model a $10 increase over what judges currently make, since they’ll be required to return to the courthouse after the polls close.
But the biggest change the clerk is suggesting is that rather than giving every poll worker three meals a day, another $35 would be added to their pay. Board Member Harrison Fields continued to argue against that, saying that all the poll workers he’s talked to would quit. “I’m telling you people right now, there is not one poll worker in the past that’s going to work next spring unless they get the three meals they’re getting this year,” he said. “I’m telling you this right now.”
The rest of the election board disputed that. “I have a whole bunch that will,” said Welter-Manuel. “They want the $35 raise.”
Welter-Manuel told Fields that the county council removed all funding from the food line item in the 2020 budget. “Then let me ask you this, Harrison. What are we going to do with food?” the clerk asked. “Are you going to pay for it out of your pocket? Because my budget has zero for food. I have no way to pay for food. This is the only way they’re going to get food is by this way, taking it out of their pay budget.”
“Well, I disagree with you,” Fields said. “I think the election has to be paid for by the county.”
“Food does not have to be paid for by the county,” Welter-Manuel replied.
Welter-Manuel pointed out that the proposed vote center sites have refrigerators and microwaves, and most have full kitchens. Additionally, the poll workers could decide to pool their money and order food.
She added that many counties are planning raises for poll workers next year, and her proposal would help Starke County keep up. “So it sounds like a lot right now, until everybody else around us does their raises, and then we’ll be pushed back down to the middle again, anyway,” she explained. “I think our workers work an extra long time, and I do not believe that we need to be at the bottom of that pay list.”
Welter-Manuel said there’s enough money in the 2020 budget to support the raises, as long as the county switches to vote centers.
Saturday, November 16, 2019
Starke County Election Board Reviews Provisional Ballots from North Judson Election
Posted on November 16, 2019
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
Two provisional ballots from last week’s North Judson election were reviewed by the Starke County Election Board Thursday. But Clerk Bernadette Welter-Manuel told board members that neither could be accepted.
It was determined that one voter actually lives outside of the town limits, according to Deputy Clerk Colleen Hodge. The other voter had apparently moved into the town years ago but never updated their registration, so the person was still listed as living in a different precinct. Hodge added that neither voter had brought in any documentation showing anything different.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
Two provisional ballots from last week’s North Judson election were reviewed by the Starke County Election Board Thursday. But Clerk Bernadette Welter-Manuel told board members that neither could be accepted.
It was determined that one voter actually lives outside of the town limits, according to Deputy Clerk Colleen Hodge. The other voter had apparently moved into the town years ago but never updated their registration, so the person was still listed as living in a different precinct. Hodge added that neither voter had brought in any documentation showing anything different.
Friday, November 15, 2019
Starke County Election Board Voices Concerns with Proposed Vote Center Plan
Posted on November 15, 2019
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
Just days before a draft of Starke County’s vote center plan is set to be presented to the public, an election board member raised a few questions about the proposed change. Last month, board members approved a list of seven potential vote center locations, which was then approved by the county commissioners last week.
But during Thursday’s election board meeting, Board Member Harrison Fields said he wasn’t sure about the locations, after all. “I never had a choice in picking these places,” he said. “Neither did my proxy.”
Clerk Bernadette Welter-Manuel replied, “Your proxy had the same places I did.”
“But you picked the places,” Fields answered.
“That’s why we’ve been talking about this for three meetings now to get everybody’s input,” Welter-Manuel said.
Fields’ concerns included whether each proposed vote center has enough parking, as well as the spacing between vote centers. Board President Marcia Bedrock asked Fields if he had any other locations in mind, but Fields said he hadn’t thought about it.
“Harrison, let me ask you this,” Bedrock began. “You’ve had a lot of time to research this. If we’re going back now – “
“How do you know I have a lot of time to research it?” Fields interrupted. “You don’t know my schedule. Just because I’m retired, I don’t sit in the house every day with basically nothing to do.”
Welter-Manuel interjected, “This is your job, though, on this board, is to learn about these.”
“So it’s not about learning about something necessarily at your pace,” Bedrock added. “We have to have something presented whether it’s voted on or not.”
Fields also seemed to question the whole idea of switching to vote centers, suggesting that the county look at just consolidating precincts instead. Welter-Manuel noted that consolidation would still only each resident one place to vote on Election Day. “You’re going to shrink the number of areas to vote, and make them stuck in one place to vote,” the clerk said.
“Don’t use those words, ‘Make them stuck,’” Fields replied. “What does that mean? Let me tell you, if you’d worked these like I have, I’ve worked these elections for years. This Election Day is very, very important to the people, to go to a polling place and vote.”
As for some specific changes to the vote center plan, Welter-Manuel suggested expanding early voting opportunities from what she originally proposed. Three days of in-person absentee voting would be available at satellite locations in North Judson and Koontz Lake, rather than just one. There would also be 28 days of early voting at the Starke County Courthouse in Knox.
As the vote center plan currently stands, 59 poll workers would be required for a county-wide election. Each vote center would have a supervisor and lead facilitator, plus facilitators and clerks. Welter-Manuel said the plan is designed to keep the staff politically balanced.
The draft vote center plan will be presented to the public during Monday’s joint county council and commissioners meeting. Residents will then be able to comment on it until January 2, before a final decision is made. If approved, the switch to vote centers would take effect with the May 5, 2020 primary.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
Just days before a draft of Starke County’s vote center plan is set to be presented to the public, an election board member raised a few questions about the proposed change. Last month, board members approved a list of seven potential vote center locations, which was then approved by the county commissioners last week.
But during Thursday’s election board meeting, Board Member Harrison Fields said he wasn’t sure about the locations, after all. “I never had a choice in picking these places,” he said. “Neither did my proxy.”
Clerk Bernadette Welter-Manuel replied, “Your proxy had the same places I did.”
“But you picked the places,” Fields answered.
“That’s why we’ve been talking about this for three meetings now to get everybody’s input,” Welter-Manuel said.
Fields’ concerns included whether each proposed vote center has enough parking, as well as the spacing between vote centers. Board President Marcia Bedrock asked Fields if he had any other locations in mind, but Fields said he hadn’t thought about it.
“Harrison, let me ask you this,” Bedrock began. “You’ve had a lot of time to research this. If we’re going back now – “
“How do you know I have a lot of time to research it?” Fields interrupted. “You don’t know my schedule. Just because I’m retired, I don’t sit in the house every day with basically nothing to do.”
Welter-Manuel interjected, “This is your job, though, on this board, is to learn about these.”
“So it’s not about learning about something necessarily at your pace,” Bedrock added. “We have to have something presented whether it’s voted on or not.”
Fields also seemed to question the whole idea of switching to vote centers, suggesting that the county look at just consolidating precincts instead. Welter-Manuel noted that consolidation would still only each resident one place to vote on Election Day. “You’re going to shrink the number of areas to vote, and make them stuck in one place to vote,” the clerk said.
“Don’t use those words, ‘Make them stuck,’” Fields replied. “What does that mean? Let me tell you, if you’d worked these like I have, I’ve worked these elections for years. This Election Day is very, very important to the people, to go to a polling place and vote.”
As for some specific changes to the vote center plan, Welter-Manuel suggested expanding early voting opportunities from what she originally proposed. Three days of in-person absentee voting would be available at satellite locations in North Judson and Koontz Lake, rather than just one. There would also be 28 days of early voting at the Starke County Courthouse in Knox.
As the vote center plan currently stands, 59 poll workers would be required for a county-wide election. Each vote center would have a supervisor and lead facilitator, plus facilitators and clerks. Welter-Manuel said the plan is designed to keep the staff politically balanced.
The draft vote center plan will be presented to the public during Monday’s joint county council and commissioners meeting. Residents will then be able to comment on it until January 2, before a final decision is made. If approved, the switch to vote centers would take effect with the May 5, 2020 primary.
Thursday, November 14, 2019
Starke County Election Board to Continue Working on Vote Center Proposal Today
Posted on November 14, 2019
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The Starke County Election Board will put the finishing touches on its draft vote center plan today, before presenting it to the public next week. So far, the election board and county commissioners have settled on a list of seven vote center locations.
What still needs to be determined is how many poll workers will be needed. Board Member Harrison Fields felt that the sheriff’s position should be retained under the vote center model, but others pointed out that sheriffs are not normally used in other vote center counties.
The draft plan is expected to be presented during Monday’s joint county council and commissioners meeting. Residents will then have a chance to comment on it, before final action is taken in January.
Another topic of discussion this morning will be poll worker pay. Under the 2020 budget, poll workers will get a $10 pay raise, but the county will no longer cover the cost of meals. That’s drawn concerns from Fields, who has said that poll workers are threatening to quit because of the change.
The Starke County Election Board is also expected to review two provisional ballots from last week’s North Judson election. This morning’s meeting starts at 9:30 in the second floor meeting room in the Starke County Courthouse.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The Starke County Election Board will put the finishing touches on its draft vote center plan today, before presenting it to the public next week. So far, the election board and county commissioners have settled on a list of seven vote center locations.
What still needs to be determined is how many poll workers will be needed. Board Member Harrison Fields felt that the sheriff’s position should be retained under the vote center model, but others pointed out that sheriffs are not normally used in other vote center counties.
The draft plan is expected to be presented during Monday’s joint county council and commissioners meeting. Residents will then have a chance to comment on it, before final action is taken in January.
Another topic of discussion this morning will be poll worker pay. Under the 2020 budget, poll workers will get a $10 pay raise, but the county will no longer cover the cost of meals. That’s drawn concerns from Fields, who has said that poll workers are threatening to quit because of the change.
The Starke County Election Board is also expected to review two provisional ballots from last week’s North Judson election. This morning’s meeting starts at 9:30 in the second floor meeting room in the Starke County Courthouse.
Tuesday, November 5, 2019
Starke County Commissioners Consider Vote Center Locations
Posted on November 5, 2019
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
While North Judson voters head to the polls today for the Municipal General Election, the Starke County Election Board members are looking toward the future with Vote Centers.
During the Starke County Commissioners meeting on Monday night, Clerk Bernadette Welter-Manuel and Starke County Election Board President Marcia Bedrock presented a list of Vote Center locations for the commissioners to consider.
With the proposed list, the number of polling places would be reduced from 21 to 7. The proposed locations are existing polling sites and would be incorporated into a Vote Center plan yet to be approved.
The locations are the Koontz Lake Property Owners Building, James R. Hardesty Community Building in Hamlet, Washington Township Community Building, Nancy J. Dembowski Community Center in Knox, North Judson-Wayne Township Fire Department building, San Pierre Fire Department building, and Bass Lake Fire Department building.
The commissioners approved the list as presented.
Resident Kenny Wallace expressed concern about longer wait times with the consolidation of voting sites, but Welter-Manual stated that statistics in other counties show a reduced wait time. In addition, she mentioned that more voting machines will be present at the polling sites to accommodate a potential increase in voters at a location since any eligible voter can vote at any Vote Center.
The Starke County Election Board members plan to have a draft of the Vote Center plan for the public during the joint Starke County Council and Commissioners meeting on Monday, Nov. 18 which will be followed by a public comment time period through Jan. 2.
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
While North Judson voters head to the polls today for the Municipal General Election, the Starke County Election Board members are looking toward the future with Vote Centers.
During the Starke County Commissioners meeting on Monday night, Clerk Bernadette Welter-Manuel and Starke County Election Board President Marcia Bedrock presented a list of Vote Center locations for the commissioners to consider.
With the proposed list, the number of polling places would be reduced from 21 to 7. The proposed locations are existing polling sites and would be incorporated into a Vote Center plan yet to be approved.
The locations are the Koontz Lake Property Owners Building, James R. Hardesty Community Building in Hamlet, Washington Township Community Building, Nancy J. Dembowski Community Center in Knox, North Judson-Wayne Township Fire Department building, San Pierre Fire Department building, and Bass Lake Fire Department building.
The commissioners approved the list as presented.
Resident Kenny Wallace expressed concern about longer wait times with the consolidation of voting sites, but Welter-Manual stated that statistics in other counties show a reduced wait time. In addition, she mentioned that more voting machines will be present at the polling sites to accommodate a potential increase in voters at a location since any eligible voter can vote at any Vote Center.
The Starke County Election Board members plan to have a draft of the Vote Center plan for the public during the joint Starke County Council and Commissioners meeting on Monday, Nov. 18 which will be followed by a public comment time period through Jan. 2.
Monday, November 4, 2019
Starke County Election Board Prepares Timeline for Possible Vote Center Switch
Posted on November 4, 2019
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
A timeline for a possible switch to vote centers was recently reviewed by the Starke County Election Board. County officials are considering making the switch in time for the May 5, 2020 primary.
As a first step, the election board’s recommendations for the seven vote center locations will be up for the county commissioners’ approval when they meet tonight at 6:00. After that, Clerk Bernadette Welter-Manuel will work with the Auditor’s Office to make sure the owners of the proposed locations actually want to host a vote center. All of them are already being used as precinct polling places. The seven vote centers will then be tested for internet access, something that will be necessary for the new e-poll books.
The county’s entire vote center plan will be presented at a public hearing during the joint county council and commissioners meeting on November 18. Residents will then be able to comment on the plan until January 2. The election board will review those comments on January 8. Election board members will then vote on the plan, at which point it would go to the commissioners for final approval. The election board would then ask the county council for funding for the e-poll books on January 20.
If the switch is approved, the Clerk’s Office would send a series of notifications to every registered voter in the county. First, a letter would be sent by the end of January. Then, a postcard would be sent at the end of March, followed by a second postcard shortly before the May primary.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
A timeline for a possible switch to vote centers was recently reviewed by the Starke County Election Board. County officials are considering making the switch in time for the May 5, 2020 primary.
As a first step, the election board’s recommendations for the seven vote center locations will be up for the county commissioners’ approval when they meet tonight at 6:00. After that, Clerk Bernadette Welter-Manuel will work with the Auditor’s Office to make sure the owners of the proposed locations actually want to host a vote center. All of them are already being used as precinct polling places. The seven vote centers will then be tested for internet access, something that will be necessary for the new e-poll books.
The county’s entire vote center plan will be presented at a public hearing during the joint county council and commissioners meeting on November 18. Residents will then be able to comment on the plan until January 2. The election board will review those comments on January 8. Election board members will then vote on the plan, at which point it would go to the commissioners for final approval. The election board would then ask the county council for funding for the e-poll books on January 20.
If the switch is approved, the Clerk’s Office would send a series of notifications to every registered voter in the county. First, a letter would be sent by the end of January. Then, a postcard would be sent at the end of March, followed by a second postcard shortly before the May primary.
Starke County Election Board Reviews 2020 Budget
Posted on November 2, 2019
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
While Starke County hasn’t finalized a switch to vote centers yet, there isn’t enough money in the 2020 budget to hold a presidential election using precinct polling places.
Clerk Bernadette Welter-Manuel reviewed the 2020 election budget with the election board last week. She had requested almost $112,000, but the county council cut that down to just over $98,000.
“Just so everybody understands with the budget that the council has given us to work with for 2020, there is no possible way we can make 21 precincts work with this budget,” Welter-Manuel explained. “There’s just absolutely no way.”
Board Member Harrison Fields pointed out that there’s more money budgeted for polling places than what the election board will probably need. Deputy Clerk Colleen Hodge said that in past years, some of that money has been transferred to fix shortfalls in other line items. It was also noted that poll workers will no longer be provided with meals on Election Day, but they will get a $10 raise.
When it comes to switching to vote centers, Fields encouraged the rest of the election board to look at more than just the potential cost savings. “I hate these comments all the time, it’s about money, money, money,” he said. “The election is so important. Our justice system in this country is so important. We shouldn’t just look at the money part.”
Welter-Manuel says the budget is still awaiting final approval from the Indiana Department of Local Government Finance.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
While Starke County hasn’t finalized a switch to vote centers yet, there isn’t enough money in the 2020 budget to hold a presidential election using precinct polling places.
Clerk Bernadette Welter-Manuel reviewed the 2020 election budget with the election board last week. She had requested almost $112,000, but the county council cut that down to just over $98,000.
“Just so everybody understands with the budget that the council has given us to work with for 2020, there is no possible way we can make 21 precincts work with this budget,” Welter-Manuel explained. “There’s just absolutely no way.”
Board Member Harrison Fields pointed out that there’s more money budgeted for polling places than what the election board will probably need. Deputy Clerk Colleen Hodge said that in past years, some of that money has been transferred to fix shortfalls in other line items. It was also noted that poll workers will no longer be provided with meals on Election Day, but they will get a $10 raise.
When it comes to switching to vote centers, Fields encouraged the rest of the election board to look at more than just the potential cost savings. “I hate these comments all the time, it’s about money, money, money,” he said. “The election is so important. Our justice system in this country is so important. We shouldn’t just look at the money part.”
Welter-Manuel says the budget is still awaiting final approval from the Indiana Department of Local Government Finance.
Wednesday, October 30, 2019
Starke County Election Board Reviews Vote Center Survey Results
Posted on October 30, 2019
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The Starke County Election Board continues to see support for a proposed switch to vote centers. Last week, board members reviewed the results of a survey taken during this month’s town hall meetings in Knox and North Judson. Of the 27 surveys completed, only two respondents felt the change would not be a positive move for Starke County to pursue. Multiple residents specifically liked the convenience that vote centers could provide.
Clerk Bernadette Welter-Manuel thought the town hall meetings went fairly well. “I’m just glad we had them,” she said. “That way, we got public input.”
But Board Member Harrison Fields had some concerns. He complained that Welter-Manuel didn’t tell him ahead of time that Elkhart County Clerk Christopher Anderson was coming to the Knox town hall. “Is it fair to compare Elkhart County?” Fields asked. “I mean, he gave a terrific sales pitch, but can we really compare geographically, the size of Elkhart County?”
Board President Marcia Bedrock pointed out that Marshall and Pulaski counties have also been using vote centers with apparent success, and a report on the state’s first four vote center counties included two rural ones. “Of course, when you read a report on something, they’re going to state the positives,” Bedrock said. “Were there some problems that maybe they ran into? Sure. But what you do as a board, you work to fix those problems, not just discount something because, ‘Well, we can’t relate to that.’ Sure we can.”
If the vote center proposal is approved, Starke County voters would have the option of casting their ballot at any one of seven locations, starting with the May 2020 primary.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The Starke County Election Board continues to see support for a proposed switch to vote centers. Last week, board members reviewed the results of a survey taken during this month’s town hall meetings in Knox and North Judson. Of the 27 surveys completed, only two respondents felt the change would not be a positive move for Starke County to pursue. Multiple residents specifically liked the convenience that vote centers could provide.
Clerk Bernadette Welter-Manuel thought the town hall meetings went fairly well. “I’m just glad we had them,” she said. “That way, we got public input.”
But Board Member Harrison Fields had some concerns. He complained that Welter-Manuel didn’t tell him ahead of time that Elkhart County Clerk Christopher Anderson was coming to the Knox town hall. “Is it fair to compare Elkhart County?” Fields asked. “I mean, he gave a terrific sales pitch, but can we really compare geographically, the size of Elkhart County?”
Board President Marcia Bedrock pointed out that Marshall and Pulaski counties have also been using vote centers with apparent success, and a report on the state’s first four vote center counties included two rural ones. “Of course, when you read a report on something, they’re going to state the positives,” Bedrock said. “Were there some problems that maybe they ran into? Sure. But what you do as a board, you work to fix those problems, not just discount something because, ‘Well, we can’t relate to that.’ Sure we can.”
If the vote center proposal is approved, Starke County voters would have the option of casting their ballot at any one of seven locations, starting with the May 2020 primary.
Monday, October 28, 2019
Starke County Election Board Makes Final Preparations for North Judson Election
Posted on October 28, 2019
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The Starke County Election Board is making its final preparations for next week’s North Judson town election. Last week, board members spent several minutes discussing the delivery of voting machines to the precinct polling places.
Board Member Harrison Fields was concerned that there were no ads run in local newspapers to remind voters where and when to vote. “Why wouldn’t you run one, at least, in The Market that goes to every house, to inform people of the schedule?” he asked.
Clerk Bernadette Welter-Manuel said that information was included in residents’ water bills. “Well, if the city was putting it on their water bill and then the water bill goes to every person and there are more people who look at their water bill than the newspaper,” she said.
“Not really, Bernadette. Not really,” Fields replied.
But the clerk pointed out that a legal ad with the list of candidates did run in The Leader.
Poll worker training will be held tomorrow from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. in Starke County Annex Building No. 1. The travel board is scheduled to visit a voter on Wednesday. As of last week’s meeting, there was only one request for a travel board ballot.
In-person absentee voting will take place Saturday, November 2 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and Monday, November 4 from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the Starke County Courthouse in Knox.
Election Day voting will be on Tuesday, November 5 from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Voters in Wayne Township Precinct 1 will vote at the North Judson Fire Station, while Wayne 4 voters cast their ballots at North Judson-San Pierre High School.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The Starke County Election Board is making its final preparations for next week’s North Judson town election. Last week, board members spent several minutes discussing the delivery of voting machines to the precinct polling places.
Board Member Harrison Fields was concerned that there were no ads run in local newspapers to remind voters where and when to vote. “Why wouldn’t you run one, at least, in The Market that goes to every house, to inform people of the schedule?” he asked.
Clerk Bernadette Welter-Manuel said that information was included in residents’ water bills. “Well, if the city was putting it on their water bill and then the water bill goes to every person and there are more people who look at their water bill than the newspaper,” she said.
“Not really, Bernadette. Not really,” Fields replied.
But the clerk pointed out that a legal ad with the list of candidates did run in The Leader.
Poll worker training will be held tomorrow from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. in Starke County Annex Building No. 1. The travel board is scheduled to visit a voter on Wednesday. As of last week’s meeting, there was only one request for a travel board ballot.
In-person absentee voting will take place Saturday, November 2 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and Monday, November 4 from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the Starke County Courthouse in Knox.
Election Day voting will be on Tuesday, November 5 from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Voters in Wayne Township Precinct 1 will vote at the North Judson Fire Station, while Wayne 4 voters cast their ballots at North Judson-San Pierre High School.
Friday, October 25, 2019
Starke Election Board Member Says Poll Workers Threatening to Quit over Lack of Meals
Posted on October 25, 2019
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
Meal changes could lead to a shortage in poll workers, warns Starke County Election Board Member Harrison Fields. “I’ve been talking to some of these poll workers,” he told the rest of the election board Wednesday. “We’re going to be faced with a major problem come next spring because every one of these poll workers that worked in the past told me personally they refuse to work because the council changed the meal situation. None of these poll workers that worked in the past – not one – told me they will work in the spring because of that issue.”
Under the 2020 budget adopted by the Starke County Council, meals will no longer be provided to poll workers on Election Day. In exchange, each poll worker will get a $10 pay raise.
But Fields said that’s not what the poll workers want, based on the results of a survey from a few years ago. “A large majority, way over 50 percent, they wanted the three meals furnished morning, noon, and dinner, and we had some serious problems,” he added. “I recall I think there were two locations. One was the county garage and one was Washington Township, Someone delivered all three meals in the morning. No refrigeration.”
It was pointed out that one of the main reasons for the change was concerns about food allergies and other dietary restrictions. Board President Marcia Bedrock said if someone on a restricted diet were to get the wrong meal, it could be a major problem. “In this day and age, are we, then, responsible for providing three meals a day per person that meet their dietary needs, and can we be sure that the meal is delivered for that person meets those needs?” Bedrock asked. “It’s a huge liability, and I’m really not sure why that hasn’t been addressed before.”
When it comes to making sure there are enough poll workers, Clerk Bernadette Welter-Manuel said that’s the precinct committeemen’s responsibility. If they’re unable to do it, it’s up to the party chairs and then, finally, the election board. However, the clerk pointed out that they have until April to turn in their poll worker lists for the May primary. On top of that, the proposed switch to vote centers would significantly reduce the number of poll workers needed.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
Meal changes could lead to a shortage in poll workers, warns Starke County Election Board Member Harrison Fields. “I’ve been talking to some of these poll workers,” he told the rest of the election board Wednesday. “We’re going to be faced with a major problem come next spring because every one of these poll workers that worked in the past told me personally they refuse to work because the council changed the meal situation. None of these poll workers that worked in the past – not one – told me they will work in the spring because of that issue.”
Under the 2020 budget adopted by the Starke County Council, meals will no longer be provided to poll workers on Election Day. In exchange, each poll worker will get a $10 pay raise.
But Fields said that’s not what the poll workers want, based on the results of a survey from a few years ago. “A large majority, way over 50 percent, they wanted the three meals furnished morning, noon, and dinner, and we had some serious problems,” he added. “I recall I think there were two locations. One was the county garage and one was Washington Township, Someone delivered all three meals in the morning. No refrigeration.”
It was pointed out that one of the main reasons for the change was concerns about food allergies and other dietary restrictions. Board President Marcia Bedrock said if someone on a restricted diet were to get the wrong meal, it could be a major problem. “In this day and age, are we, then, responsible for providing three meals a day per person that meet their dietary needs, and can we be sure that the meal is delivered for that person meets those needs?” Bedrock asked. “It’s a huge liability, and I’m really not sure why that hasn’t been addressed before.”
When it comes to making sure there are enough poll workers, Clerk Bernadette Welter-Manuel said that’s the precinct committeemen’s responsibility. If they’re unable to do it, it’s up to the party chairs and then, finally, the election board. However, the clerk pointed out that they have until April to turn in their poll worker lists for the May primary. On top of that, the proposed switch to vote centers would significantly reduce the number of poll workers needed.
Thursday, October 24, 2019
Starke County Election Board Approves List of Potential Vote Center Locations
Posted on October 24, 2019
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The Starke County Election Board on Wednesday approved a list of potential vote center locations for the county commissioners’ consideration.
Preliminary plans call for seven vote centers. They would be at the Koontz Lake Property Owners Association Building, the Washington Township Community Building, the Hamlet Fire Station, the Bass Lake Fire Station, and the North Judson Fire Station. A few options were proposed for the Knox and San Pierre vote centers, but board members ultimately decided to continue using the Nancy J. Dembowski Community Center and the San Pierre Fire Station.
That list will be presented to the commissioners on November 4. It could then be adjusted, based on their recommendations.
Clerk Bernadette Welter-Manuel said she still hasn’t contacted the facilities to see if their representatives actually want to host a vote center, in part, because she learned that’s really the auditor’s job. “The auditor and myself together will draft a letter or speak to these people, but I can’t step in front of the auditor’s job, to talk to these people about voting there,” she said. “So that’s why it has not been done yet.” In any case, Welter-Manuel said she’d rather wait until the proposed sites are approved by the commissioners.
She also noted that all of the proposed vote centers are already being used as precinct polling places. “There’s nothing majorly changing for the places,” Welter-Manuel explained. “It’s more the voter changing, not, per se, what the place needs to do.”
Before a switch to vote centers can take effect, the election board still has to finalize a vote center plan. It’s expected to be presented to the public during the joint county council and commissioners meeting on November 18, followed by a 30-day public comment period. The election board would then vote on the plan in January. It would go into effect for the May 2020 primary.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The Starke County Election Board on Wednesday approved a list of potential vote center locations for the county commissioners’ consideration.
Preliminary plans call for seven vote centers. They would be at the Koontz Lake Property Owners Association Building, the Washington Township Community Building, the Hamlet Fire Station, the Bass Lake Fire Station, and the North Judson Fire Station. A few options were proposed for the Knox and San Pierre vote centers, but board members ultimately decided to continue using the Nancy J. Dembowski Community Center and the San Pierre Fire Station.
That list will be presented to the commissioners on November 4. It could then be adjusted, based on their recommendations.
Clerk Bernadette Welter-Manuel said she still hasn’t contacted the facilities to see if their representatives actually want to host a vote center, in part, because she learned that’s really the auditor’s job. “The auditor and myself together will draft a letter or speak to these people, but I can’t step in front of the auditor’s job, to talk to these people about voting there,” she said. “So that’s why it has not been done yet.” In any case, Welter-Manuel said she’d rather wait until the proposed sites are approved by the commissioners.
She also noted that all of the proposed vote centers are already being used as precinct polling places. “There’s nothing majorly changing for the places,” Welter-Manuel explained. “It’s more the voter changing, not, per se, what the place needs to do.”
Before a switch to vote centers can take effect, the election board still has to finalize a vote center plan. It’s expected to be presented to the public during the joint county council and commissioners meeting on November 18, followed by a 30-day public comment period. The election board would then vote on the plan in January. It would go into effect for the May 2020 primary.
Friday, October 11, 2019
Starke County Election Board Holds Third Vote Center Information Session
Posted on October 11, 2019
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
The Starke County Election Board members held the third and final Vote Center information session Thursday night at the North Judson-Wayne Township Public Library.
The sessions were to inform Starke County voters on the change from precinct voting to Vote Centers, if approved, beginning in the 2020 May Primary Election. Election Board President Marcia Bedrock explained that the 21 precinct voting places would be condensed to 7 Vote Center sites where anyone can vote at any designated site. The board members haven’t approved those sites as of yet, but preliminary discussions have one site each in Koontz Lake, Knox, Hamlet, Washington Township, Bass Lake, San Pierre and North Judson. Existing polling places would be used in each location.
Convenience was cited as a positive move as well as a cost savings to the county. About $35,000 would be realized in an election year with a reduction of poll workers, meals, and other associated costs.
Early voting would continue to be offered at the Starke County Courthouse prior to voting at a Vote Center on Election Day, plus satellite locations on the Saturdays prior to Election Day.
Another positive point made was that e-poll books would be used to sign in a voter at a Vote Center which will save time for the voter at the polls.
A survey distributed to session attendees on Wednesday night in Knox and Thursday night in North Judson found that residents are generally in favor of the move to Vote Centers.
The Election Board members now plan to review a rough draft of a Vote Center plan at their next meeting on Oct. 23. The plan, if unanimously approved by the Election Board, will be presented to the public during the joint Starke County Commissioners and Council meeting on Nov. 18. The Vote Center sites will have to be approved by the Election Board and the county commissioners.
If anyone needs more information, call Starke County Election Deputy Clerk Colleen Hodge at 574-772-9160.
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
The Starke County Election Board members held the third and final Vote Center information session Thursday night at the North Judson-Wayne Township Public Library.
The sessions were to inform Starke County voters on the change from precinct voting to Vote Centers, if approved, beginning in the 2020 May Primary Election. Election Board President Marcia Bedrock explained that the 21 precinct voting places would be condensed to 7 Vote Center sites where anyone can vote at any designated site. The board members haven’t approved those sites as of yet, but preliminary discussions have one site each in Koontz Lake, Knox, Hamlet, Washington Township, Bass Lake, San Pierre and North Judson. Existing polling places would be used in each location.
Convenience was cited as a positive move as well as a cost savings to the county. About $35,000 would be realized in an election year with a reduction of poll workers, meals, and other associated costs.
Early voting would continue to be offered at the Starke County Courthouse prior to voting at a Vote Center on Election Day, plus satellite locations on the Saturdays prior to Election Day.
Another positive point made was that e-poll books would be used to sign in a voter at a Vote Center which will save time for the voter at the polls.
A survey distributed to session attendees on Wednesday night in Knox and Thursday night in North Judson found that residents are generally in favor of the move to Vote Centers.
The Election Board members now plan to review a rough draft of a Vote Center plan at their next meeting on Oct. 23. The plan, if unanimously approved by the Election Board, will be presented to the public during the joint Starke County Commissioners and Council meeting on Nov. 18. The Vote Center sites will have to be approved by the Election Board and the county commissioners.
If anyone needs more information, call Starke County Election Deputy Clerk Colleen Hodge at 574-772-9160.
Thursday, October 10, 2019
Starke County Election Board Considers Potential Vote Center Locations
Posted on October 10, 2019
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
A list of potential vote center locations was presented to the Starke County Election Board Wednesday. Clerk Bernadette Welter-Manuel’s proposal calls for seven vote centers. They would be located at the Koontz Lake Property Owners Association Building, the Washington Township Community Building, the Hamlet Fire Station, the Bass Lake Fire Station, and the North Judson Fire Station. Welter-Manuel presented some options for the Knox and San Pierre vote centers.
The Knox polling place could remain at the Nancy J. Dembowski Community Center, or it could be moved to County Annex Building No. 1 or the south side fire station. She’s also looking into using All Saints Catholic Church as San Pierre’s vote center, to avoid the issue of firefighters having to move trucks out of the way for voting at the fire station. “You had a commissioner out there two years ago demanding the trustee have the trucks removed,” Welter-Manuel added.
But Board Member Harrison Fields had a few concerns. For one thing, he felt that Welter-Manuel should have contacted representatives from all of the facilities before including them on the list. “You started this plan with these places,” Fields said. “Don’t you think you should be contacting them to see?”
“If we weren’t already voting there, I would have,” Welter-Manuel replied, “but we’re already voting there.”
Fields also seemed to be under the impression that the vote centers would be open for several days. Welter-Manuel explained that they would only be open during regular voting hours on Election Day, except for two planned satellite absentee voting locations, which would each be open one Saturday before an election.
The clerk said she hasn’t picked the satellite early voting sites yet, but she recommended putting them in Hamlet or Koontz Lake, as well as North Judson or San Pierre. “You have 28 days to vote here in the courthouse,” Welter-Manuel explained. “We don’t have anything on the outskirts of the county, so it makes more sense to take the satellites to the outskirts for the one day, where you can come to Knox for 28 days to vote.”
In any case, Fields said he wasn’t ready to approve the list of vote centers yet. “I mean, this is very important, and I’m not going to make a quick decision,” he said.
Board President Marcia Bedrock said she plans to call for a vote at the October 23 election board meeting, so the proposed vote center locations could go to the county commissioners for approval on November 4. Meanwhile, Welter-Manuel said she also plans to have a draft version of the vote center plan ready for the rest of the election board by October 23. Her goal is to hold the required public hearing on the plan during the December 2 commissioners meeting, so that it could be implemented for the May 2020 primary.
If you want to learn more about vote centers or weigh in on the preliminary plans, the Starke County Election Board will hold another town hall meeting tonight at 6:30 at the North Judson-Wayne Township Public Library.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
A list of potential vote center locations was presented to the Starke County Election Board Wednesday. Clerk Bernadette Welter-Manuel’s proposal calls for seven vote centers. They would be located at the Koontz Lake Property Owners Association Building, the Washington Township Community Building, the Hamlet Fire Station, the Bass Lake Fire Station, and the North Judson Fire Station. Welter-Manuel presented some options for the Knox and San Pierre vote centers.
The Knox polling place could remain at the Nancy J. Dembowski Community Center, or it could be moved to County Annex Building No. 1 or the south side fire station. She’s also looking into using All Saints Catholic Church as San Pierre’s vote center, to avoid the issue of firefighters having to move trucks out of the way for voting at the fire station. “You had a commissioner out there two years ago demanding the trustee have the trucks removed,” Welter-Manuel added.
But Board Member Harrison Fields had a few concerns. For one thing, he felt that Welter-Manuel should have contacted representatives from all of the facilities before including them on the list. “You started this plan with these places,” Fields said. “Don’t you think you should be contacting them to see?”
“If we weren’t already voting there, I would have,” Welter-Manuel replied, “but we’re already voting there.”
Fields also seemed to be under the impression that the vote centers would be open for several days. Welter-Manuel explained that they would only be open during regular voting hours on Election Day, except for two planned satellite absentee voting locations, which would each be open one Saturday before an election.
The clerk said she hasn’t picked the satellite early voting sites yet, but she recommended putting them in Hamlet or Koontz Lake, as well as North Judson or San Pierre. “You have 28 days to vote here in the courthouse,” Welter-Manuel explained. “We don’t have anything on the outskirts of the county, so it makes more sense to take the satellites to the outskirts for the one day, where you can come to Knox for 28 days to vote.”
In any case, Fields said he wasn’t ready to approve the list of vote centers yet. “I mean, this is very important, and I’m not going to make a quick decision,” he said.
Board President Marcia Bedrock said she plans to call for a vote at the October 23 election board meeting, so the proposed vote center locations could go to the county commissioners for approval on November 4. Meanwhile, Welter-Manuel said she also plans to have a draft version of the vote center plan ready for the rest of the election board by October 23. Her goal is to hold the required public hearing on the plan during the December 2 commissioners meeting, so that it could be implemented for the May 2020 primary.
If you want to learn more about vote centers or weigh in on the preliminary plans, the Starke County Election Board will hold another town hall meeting tonight at 6:30 at the North Judson-Wayne Township Public Library.
Wednesday, October 9, 2019
Starke County Election Board to Hold More Informational Vote Center Meetings
Posted on October 9, 2019
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
The Starke County Election Board is hosting two more opportunities for community members to learn more about vote centers tonight and tomorrow evening.
Tonight’s meeting will be held at the Nancy J. Dembowski Community Center in Knox and Thursday’s meeting will be held in the North Judson-Wayne Township Public Library. Both meetings will commence at 6:30 p.m.
Back in September, members held the first informational meeting where they discussed the proposal to shift from 21 different polling places to 7 vote centers.
Some of the advantages of making the switch that were noted during the initial meeting included eventual cost savings as well as increased convenience for the voter since individuals would be allowed to vote anywhere in the County rather than just in their own precinct.
In addition to providing information about vote centers and what the change would entail, these meetings are being held in order to gather feedback from community members about the proposal.
For additional details, click the links provided above.
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
The Starke County Election Board is hosting two more opportunities for community members to learn more about vote centers tonight and tomorrow evening.
Tonight’s meeting will be held at the Nancy J. Dembowski Community Center in Knox and Thursday’s meeting will be held in the North Judson-Wayne Township Public Library. Both meetings will commence at 6:30 p.m.
Back in September, members held the first informational meeting where they discussed the proposal to shift from 21 different polling places to 7 vote centers.
Some of the advantages of making the switch that were noted during the initial meeting included eventual cost savings as well as increased convenience for the voter since individuals would be allowed to vote anywhere in the County rather than just in their own precinct.
In addition to providing information about vote centers and what the change would entail, these meetings are being held in order to gather feedback from community members about the proposal.
For additional details, click the links provided above.
Thursday, September 26, 2019
Starke County Election Board Holds First Public Meeting Over Vote Centers
Posted on September 26, 2019
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
Community members had a chance to weigh in about a possible transition to vote centers Wednesday night.
When the Starke County Election Board met at the Washington Township Community Building member Marcia Bedrock provided some preliminary information about vote centers and the existing polling place system.
She explained that there are about 38 counties across Indiana that utilize vote centers, including the neighboring counties of Pulaski and Marshall. In Starke County, there are 21 polling places and the idea that’s being proposed is to shift to 7 vote centers.
Currently, 146 poll workers are needed to work Elections at the various polling places. A switch to vote centers would cut that down to about 56 workers, give or take.
The goal is to get the vote centers established in time for the 2020 election. It was noted that the voting process will essentially stay the same and the same number of voting machines would still be available, they would just be combined at a particular location rather than divided up amongst the precincts.
The only major difference would be the check-in process which would be done on e-polling books.
Clerk Bernadette Welter-Manuel stated that the Secretary of State has reported that this method of check-in is significantly less time-consuming. It only takes about 30-45 seconds on average compared to the paper poll book process which takes anywhere from a minute and a half to two minutes.
With this process, people simply scan their license or ID card to check-in. Once the person has been checked in, they cannot cast a vote at another center. Military IDs can also be used, however, the information would be entered in manually.
Welter-Manuel noted that the anticipated cost savings would be approximately $20,000 to $30,000 per election cycle which is a total of about $60,000 a year.
However, since the e-polling books would initially have to be purchased, the County wouldn’t see that immediately. To purchase the 14 e-books that would be necessary, it would cost around $41,000 but officials would be able to split that payment up over two years.
The major pro of moving to vote centers that was emphasized was convenience since it will allow residents to cast their vote anywhere in the county, rather than being limited to their precinct. On a related note, statistics show that counties that have transitioned to vote centers have a higher voter turnout.
One con that was mentioned was that there is a chance some individuals may have to drive a little further to get to the vote center once the polling places are consolidated. However, it was noted that it wouldn’t be much further, only about 5 miles max.
One citizen asked how that would impact the elderly population and those with mobility issues. Bedrock highlighted the fact that individuals will still have the ability to vote by mail or travel board.
She also discussed the fact that moving to vote centers would increase access to early voting locations with the addition of extra satellite sites in various parts of the county. The county would be required to have two satellites in place on the two Saturdays prior to Election Day, in addition to the site that already exists at the Clerk’s office the 28 days prior to an election.
County Councilman Brad Hazelton elaborated on that topic, noting that if individuals did have the desire to vote on Election Day, a vote center will still be available nearby. He explained that in Koontz Lake there are some polling locations that are within a mile of each other that would just be combined and moved to a more centralized location.
He added that as it stands residents from four different precincts vote at the Knox Community Center and that’s counted as four separate polling places, with the switch to vote centers it would just be classified as one.
He added that the money that the state provides to communities keeps reducing so places have to get creative when it comes to saving money. Hazelton indicated that this plan would be a good way to do that while also providing a more convenient option to voters
Another individual in the audience asked if the decision to make the change has basically already been made.
Commissioner Kathy Norem responded to that question, stating that nothing has been finalized and noted that the ultimate goal of county officials is to reflect the desires of the public.
However, she did mention that she also sees the benefits of making the switch and hasn’t heard much negative feedback about the proposal.
Before anything can be submitted to the State Election Division, the vote center plan would first need to receive unanimous approval from the Starke County Election Board and then it would need to go before the County Council and Commissioners for consideration.
Community members will have more chances to learn about vote centers and ask questions during the month of October.
The next meeting will be on Wednesday, October 9th at the Knox Community Center and another one will be held at the North Judson-Wayne Township Public Library the following day on Thursday, October 10th. They will both start at 6:30 p.m.
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
Community members had a chance to weigh in about a possible transition to vote centers Wednesday night.
When the Starke County Election Board met at the Washington Township Community Building member Marcia Bedrock provided some preliminary information about vote centers and the existing polling place system.
She explained that there are about 38 counties across Indiana that utilize vote centers, including the neighboring counties of Pulaski and Marshall. In Starke County, there are 21 polling places and the idea that’s being proposed is to shift to 7 vote centers.
Currently, 146 poll workers are needed to work Elections at the various polling places. A switch to vote centers would cut that down to about 56 workers, give or take.
The goal is to get the vote centers established in time for the 2020 election. It was noted that the voting process will essentially stay the same and the same number of voting machines would still be available, they would just be combined at a particular location rather than divided up amongst the precincts.
The only major difference would be the check-in process which would be done on e-polling books.
Clerk Bernadette Welter-Manuel stated that the Secretary of State has reported that this method of check-in is significantly less time-consuming. It only takes about 30-45 seconds on average compared to the paper poll book process which takes anywhere from a minute and a half to two minutes.
With this process, people simply scan their license or ID card to check-in. Once the person has been checked in, they cannot cast a vote at another center. Military IDs can also be used, however, the information would be entered in manually.
Welter-Manuel noted that the anticipated cost savings would be approximately $20,000 to $30,000 per election cycle which is a total of about $60,000 a year.
However, since the e-polling books would initially have to be purchased, the County wouldn’t see that immediately. To purchase the 14 e-books that would be necessary, it would cost around $41,000 but officials would be able to split that payment up over two years.
The major pro of moving to vote centers that was emphasized was convenience since it will allow residents to cast their vote anywhere in the county, rather than being limited to their precinct. On a related note, statistics show that counties that have transitioned to vote centers have a higher voter turnout.
One con that was mentioned was that there is a chance some individuals may have to drive a little further to get to the vote center once the polling places are consolidated. However, it was noted that it wouldn’t be much further, only about 5 miles max.
One citizen asked how that would impact the elderly population and those with mobility issues. Bedrock highlighted the fact that individuals will still have the ability to vote by mail or travel board.
She also discussed the fact that moving to vote centers would increase access to early voting locations with the addition of extra satellite sites in various parts of the county. The county would be required to have two satellites in place on the two Saturdays prior to Election Day, in addition to the site that already exists at the Clerk’s office the 28 days prior to an election.
County Councilman Brad Hazelton elaborated on that topic, noting that if individuals did have the desire to vote on Election Day, a vote center will still be available nearby. He explained that in Koontz Lake there are some polling locations that are within a mile of each other that would just be combined and moved to a more centralized location.
He added that as it stands residents from four different precincts vote at the Knox Community Center and that’s counted as four separate polling places, with the switch to vote centers it would just be classified as one.
He added that the money that the state provides to communities keeps reducing so places have to get creative when it comes to saving money. Hazelton indicated that this plan would be a good way to do that while also providing a more convenient option to voters
Another individual in the audience asked if the decision to make the change has basically already been made.
Commissioner Kathy Norem responded to that question, stating that nothing has been finalized and noted that the ultimate goal of county officials is to reflect the desires of the public.
However, she did mention that she also sees the benefits of making the switch and hasn’t heard much negative feedback about the proposal.
Before anything can be submitted to the State Election Division, the vote center plan would first need to receive unanimous approval from the Starke County Election Board and then it would need to go before the County Council and Commissioners for consideration.
Community members will have more chances to learn about vote centers and ask questions during the month of October.
The next meeting will be on Wednesday, October 9th at the Knox Community Center and another one will be held at the North Judson-Wayne Township Public Library the following day on Thursday, October 10th. They will both start at 6:30 p.m.
Friday, September 20, 2019
Starke County Election Board Considers Resolutions for Poll Worker Hours
Posted on September 20, 2019
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
The Starke County Election Board members considered resolutions for poll worker hours during absentee voting hours at the North Judson-Wayne Township Public Library and the second floor meeting room in the Starke County Courthouse, but not before a lengthy discussion about offering a time for lunch during a meeting Thursday afternoon.
Board member Harrison Fields suggested adding a time for lunch for the workers on the days where they work eight hours. It was originally thought that the workers could take a lunch with them and just eat during the time they’re there, but some don’t feel it’s proper to eat while a voter is ready to cast a ballot.
By law, Fields said the workers should get time to eat lunch.
“People out here in the world today still work through lunchtime. They don’t take a lunch. They don’t get paid. They just keep working. I’m opposed to that. Everybody should have a lunch,” stated Fields.
The board voted unanimously to provide a 30 minute lunch break for poll workers.
A pair of resolutions was approved to include the timing for lunch on the two days where the workers are anticipated to work at least eight hours.
The poll workers work an hour before and an hour after absentee voting in order to travel to and from the polling site and to set up and take down the voting machines.
Board members have established a satellite in-person absentee voting location at the North Judson-Wayne Township Public Library. Polls will be open there on Thursday October 17 and Thursday, October 24 from noon to 6:00 p.m.; Friday, October 18 and Friday, October 25 from noon to 5:00 p.m.; plus Saturday, October 19 and Saturday, October 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Voters can also cast their ballots early at the Starke County Courthouse in Knox on Saturday, November 2 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and Monday, November 4 from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Voters meeting certain requirements may also request to vote by mail by contacting the Starke County Clerk’s Office.
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
The Starke County Election Board members considered resolutions for poll worker hours during absentee voting hours at the North Judson-Wayne Township Public Library and the second floor meeting room in the Starke County Courthouse, but not before a lengthy discussion about offering a time for lunch during a meeting Thursday afternoon.
Board member Harrison Fields suggested adding a time for lunch for the workers on the days where they work eight hours. It was originally thought that the workers could take a lunch with them and just eat during the time they’re there, but some don’t feel it’s proper to eat while a voter is ready to cast a ballot.
By law, Fields said the workers should get time to eat lunch.
“People out here in the world today still work through lunchtime. They don’t take a lunch. They don’t get paid. They just keep working. I’m opposed to that. Everybody should have a lunch,” stated Fields.
The board voted unanimously to provide a 30 minute lunch break for poll workers.
A pair of resolutions was approved to include the timing for lunch on the two days where the workers are anticipated to work at least eight hours.
The poll workers work an hour before and an hour after absentee voting in order to travel to and from the polling site and to set up and take down the voting machines.
Board members have established a satellite in-person absentee voting location at the North Judson-Wayne Township Public Library. Polls will be open there on Thursday October 17 and Thursday, October 24 from noon to 6:00 p.m.; Friday, October 18 and Friday, October 25 from noon to 5:00 p.m.; plus Saturday, October 19 and Saturday, October 26 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Voters can also cast their ballots early at the Starke County Courthouse in Knox on Saturday, November 2 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and Monday, November 4 from 8:30 a.m. to noon. Voters meeting certain requirements may also request to vote by mail by contacting the Starke County Clerk’s Office.
Monday, September 16, 2019
Starke County Election Board Schedules Informational Meetings on Vote Centers
Posted on September 16, 2019
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
Starke County voters have a few chances to learn about a potential switch to vote centers. The first town-hall-style meeting will be held Wednesday, September 25 at 6:30 p.m. at the Washington Township Community Building. Additional meetings are tentatively scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on October 9 at the Nancy J. Dembowski Community Center in Knox and October 10 at a location still to be determined in North Judson.
A switch to vote centers typically means fewer polling places, but gives voters the option to cast their ballot at any of the county’s locations. County Clerk Bernadette Welter-Manuel has begun working on a draft vote center plan, with feedback from the rest of the election board.
During last week’s board meeting, she said she’s ready to start presenting the introductory and background information to the public. Some of the reasons cited for the potential switch include the number of voters who are unsure of where to vote and the number of poll workers needed for the current system. More public meetings may be held as work continues on the details of the county’s actual plan.
The Starke County Election Board plans to finalize the dates and locations for the Knox and North Judson information sessions and continue working on the vote center plan, during a special meeting to be held this Thursday. It will start at 12:30 p.m. in the second floor meeting room in the Starke County Courthouse.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
Starke County voters have a few chances to learn about a potential switch to vote centers. The first town-hall-style meeting will be held Wednesday, September 25 at 6:30 p.m. at the Washington Township Community Building. Additional meetings are tentatively scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on October 9 at the Nancy J. Dembowski Community Center in Knox and October 10 at a location still to be determined in North Judson.
A switch to vote centers typically means fewer polling places, but gives voters the option to cast their ballot at any of the county’s locations. County Clerk Bernadette Welter-Manuel has begun working on a draft vote center plan, with feedback from the rest of the election board.
During last week’s board meeting, she said she’s ready to start presenting the introductory and background information to the public. Some of the reasons cited for the potential switch include the number of voters who are unsure of where to vote and the number of poll workers needed for the current system. More public meetings may be held as work continues on the details of the county’s actual plan.
The Starke County Election Board plans to finalize the dates and locations for the Knox and North Judson information sessions and continue working on the vote center plan, during a special meeting to be held this Thursday. It will start at 12:30 p.m. in the second floor meeting room in the Starke County Courthouse.
Starke County Election Board to Hold Public Voting Machine Test Later this Month
Posted on September 14, 2019
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The Starke County Election Board continues preparing for the upcoming North Judson election. The public test of the voting machines will take place Thursday, September 26 at 9:00 a.m. in the second floor meeting room in the Starke County Courthouse.
Clerk Bernadette Welter-Manuel told the rest of the election board Thursday that the machines are ready to go. “Microvote has brought back our equipment,” she said. “They did the update on them. The machines came back yesterday, and they programmed them yesterday while everybody was already here. So the machines are programmed, ready for the public test.”
Board members also reviewed the ballot one more time for any errors.
They also spent more than a half hour setting the hours for the two absentee voting workers. In-person early voting doesn’t start until October 17, but Welter-Manuel said they’ll have to start working next Friday, to handle any mail-in ballot requests that may come in. A training session for those workers will be held next Thursday.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The Starke County Election Board continues preparing for the upcoming North Judson election. The public test of the voting machines will take place Thursday, September 26 at 9:00 a.m. in the second floor meeting room in the Starke County Courthouse.
Clerk Bernadette Welter-Manuel told the rest of the election board Thursday that the machines are ready to go. “Microvote has brought back our equipment,” she said. “They did the update on them. The machines came back yesterday, and they programmed them yesterday while everybody was already here. So the machines are programmed, ready for the public test.”
Board members also reviewed the ballot one more time for any errors.
They also spent more than a half hour setting the hours for the two absentee voting workers. In-person early voting doesn’t start until October 17, but Welter-Manuel said they’ll have to start working next Friday, to handle any mail-in ballot requests that may come in. A training session for those workers will be held next Thursday.
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