Posted on September 24, 2019
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
Starke County voters have three chances to learn about a proposed switch to vote centers. Vote centers typically mean fewer polling places but allow voters to cast their ballot at any voting location in a particular county.
The Starke County Election Board will host its first town hall discussion on the topic tomorrow evening at the Washington Township Community Building. More meetings will be held Wednesday, October 9 at the Nancy J. Dembowski Community Center in Knox and Thursday, October 10 at the North Judson-Wayne Township Public Library. All three meetings will start at 6:30 p.m.
The county commissioners want the election board to switch to vote centers by next year’s presidential election.
Showing posts with label Starke County Election Board. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Starke County Election Board. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 24, 2019
Thursday, October 25, 2018
Four Starke County Candidates Miss Campaign Finance Report Deadline
Posted on October 25, 2018
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
Four Starke County candidates are facing fines for failing to turn in their campaign finance reports on time. County council member Dave Pearman, county council candidate Howard Bailey, Coroner Dannie Hoffer, and former county council candidate Karl Swihart all missed Friday’s noon deadline, according to Clerk Vicki Cooley.
She told the rest of the election board Wednesday that Pearman was just nine minutes late. For Hoffer, it’s the second time in a row in which he failed to turn in the paperwork until the Monday after the deadline, after the same thing happened leading up to the May Primary. Swihart was defeated in the primary, but Cooley said he hasn’t disbanded his committee. His paperwork still hadn’t been turned in, as of Wednesday morning.
Cooley explained that some of them had offered to pay their fines when they turned in their reports, but Indiana Code requires that they be sent a letter officially notifying them of their right to appeal. The election board agreed to give them a letter, giving them 10 days to either request a hearing with the board or pay their $50-per-day fine. Cooley said she would call the candidates and encourage them to pick up the letters in person, giving them the opportunity to pay the fines then and there.
Board members stressed that there won’t be a repeat of this spring’s round of finance reports, when a disagreement among board members meant that none of the candidates who appealed their fines ended up having to pay anything. Board member Peg Brettin said that should never have happened. “Yes, the election board should take that flack for that, but it happened,” she said. “Now, we’re at a point where she’s sending that letter. I think from here on, at this point – it says $50 per day . . . unless there’s very extenuating circumstances . . . you’re not going to get by with less than $50.”
Board President Harrison Fields replied, “Medical. I can right away think of medical problems.” But others pointed out that candidates are not required to submit their paperwork in person, and can mail it, fax it, or have someone else turn it in.
Board members also emphasized that the policy and fines are set by the state, and that local election boards and clerk’s offices are now mandated to follow the process.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
Four Starke County candidates are facing fines for failing to turn in their campaign finance reports on time. County council member Dave Pearman, county council candidate Howard Bailey, Coroner Dannie Hoffer, and former county council candidate Karl Swihart all missed Friday’s noon deadline, according to Clerk Vicki Cooley.
She told the rest of the election board Wednesday that Pearman was just nine minutes late. For Hoffer, it’s the second time in a row in which he failed to turn in the paperwork until the Monday after the deadline, after the same thing happened leading up to the May Primary. Swihart was defeated in the primary, but Cooley said he hasn’t disbanded his committee. His paperwork still hadn’t been turned in, as of Wednesday morning.
Cooley explained that some of them had offered to pay their fines when they turned in their reports, but Indiana Code requires that they be sent a letter officially notifying them of their right to appeal. The election board agreed to give them a letter, giving them 10 days to either request a hearing with the board or pay their $50-per-day fine. Cooley said she would call the candidates and encourage them to pick up the letters in person, giving them the opportunity to pay the fines then and there.
Board members stressed that there won’t be a repeat of this spring’s round of finance reports, when a disagreement among board members meant that none of the candidates who appealed their fines ended up having to pay anything. Board member Peg Brettin said that should never have happened. “Yes, the election board should take that flack for that, but it happened,” she said. “Now, we’re at a point where she’s sending that letter. I think from here on, at this point – it says $50 per day . . . unless there’s very extenuating circumstances . . . you’re not going to get by with less than $50.”
Board President Harrison Fields replied, “Medical. I can right away think of medical problems.” But others pointed out that candidates are not required to submit their paperwork in person, and can mail it, fax it, or have someone else turn it in.
Board members also emphasized that the policy and fines are set by the state, and that local election boards and clerk’s offices are now mandated to follow the process.
Wednesday, October 24, 2018
Starke County Election Board to Finish Election Preparations, Discuss Finance Reports
Posted on October 24, 2018
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
Starke County Election Board members will finish preparations for next month’s General Election when they meet this morning. Members are scheduled to review plans for the upcoming poll worker training, as well as election procedures.
They will also continue working on plans for a secure storage area for voting machines. The idea has been discussed for several months, but implementation has been delayed as county officials try to figure out the best way to bring the county into compliance with state regulations.
The election board is also expected to discuss campaign finance reports today. Candidates who didn’t have them turned in by last Friday will be fined $50 per day, but they have the chance to appeal that.
This morning’s Starke County Election Board meeting starts at 9:30 in the second floor meeting room in the Starke County Courthouse.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
Starke County Election Board members will finish preparations for next month’s General Election when they meet this morning. Members are scheduled to review plans for the upcoming poll worker training, as well as election procedures.
They will also continue working on plans for a secure storage area for voting machines. The idea has been discussed for several months, but implementation has been delayed as county officials try to figure out the best way to bring the county into compliance with state regulations.
The election board is also expected to discuss campaign finance reports today. Candidates who didn’t have them turned in by last Friday will be fined $50 per day, but they have the chance to appeal that.
This morning’s Starke County Election Board meeting starts at 9:30 in the second floor meeting room in the Starke County Courthouse.
Friday, August 24, 2018
Starke County Election Board Receives Referendum Approval from DLGF
Posted on August 24, 2018
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
The Starke County Election Board members previously received notification that the Department of Local Government Finance approved the wording for the Culver Community Schools referendum question for North Bend Township voters on the November General Election ballot. This week they officially accepted the wording to be included on the ballot.
The question reads:
“For the eight (8) calendar years immediately following the hold of the referendum, shall the Culver Community Schools Corporation impose a property tax rate that does not exceed seventeen cents ($.017) on each one hundred dollars ($100) of assessed valuation and that is in addition to all other taxes imposed by the school corporation for the purpose of funding academic and educationally-related programs, increasing student opportunities and students safety, managing class sizes, and attracting and retaining teachers?”
The Culver Community School Corporation is comprised of four townships in four counties: Starke, Marshall, Pulaski and Fulton. The referendum question will be posed to voters in all four townships this November. The Marshall and Pulaski County Election Board members have previously approved the wording to be added to the ballot.
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
The Starke County Election Board members previously received notification that the Department of Local Government Finance approved the wording for the Culver Community Schools referendum question for North Bend Township voters on the November General Election ballot. This week they officially accepted the wording to be included on the ballot.
The question reads:
“For the eight (8) calendar years immediately following the hold of the referendum, shall the Culver Community Schools Corporation impose a property tax rate that does not exceed seventeen cents ($.017) on each one hundred dollars ($100) of assessed valuation and that is in addition to all other taxes imposed by the school corporation for the purpose of funding academic and educationally-related programs, increasing student opportunities and students safety, managing class sizes, and attracting and retaining teachers?”
The Culver Community School Corporation is comprised of four townships in four counties: Starke, Marshall, Pulaski and Fulton. The referendum question will be posed to voters in all four townships this November. The Marshall and Pulaski County Election Board members have previously approved the wording to be added to the ballot.
Thursday, July 26, 2018
Starke County Election Board Discusses Candidate Late Financial Reports
Posted on July 26, 2018
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
The Starke County Election Board members finalized paperwork concerning late financial reports submitted by candidates for the May Primary Election.
The board members had a question about whether fines should be assessed on the deadline set by the state or when the resolution was approved by the local election board. Upon information given to Clerk Vicki Cooley by an election division official, the fines are to be assessed by the state deadline date of Apr. 20, 2018.
There are eight candidates who filed late financial reports. Some of the reports were filed in the clerk’s office just hours after the deadline time of noon on Apr. 20, but a fine still applies which is $50 a day. The fines for the candidates vary in each case which range from $50 to $900.
Candidates will receive a letter notifying them that the fines are to be paid by Monday, Aug. 10. They can send their payment in and indicate on the return paper that they are not going to appeal their fine. If candidates want to file an appeal, that action must be done in person at the clerk’s office. The Starke County Election Board will hold hearings on Aug. 20. More detailed information will be given in the formal notices sent by the clerk’s office.
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
The Starke County Election Board members finalized paperwork concerning late financial reports submitted by candidates for the May Primary Election.
The board members had a question about whether fines should be assessed on the deadline set by the state or when the resolution was approved by the local election board. Upon information given to Clerk Vicki Cooley by an election division official, the fines are to be assessed by the state deadline date of Apr. 20, 2018.
There are eight candidates who filed late financial reports. Some of the reports were filed in the clerk’s office just hours after the deadline time of noon on Apr. 20, but a fine still applies which is $50 a day. The fines for the candidates vary in each case which range from $50 to $900.
Candidates will receive a letter notifying them that the fines are to be paid by Monday, Aug. 10. They can send their payment in and indicate on the return paper that they are not going to appeal their fine. If candidates want to file an appeal, that action must be done in person at the clerk’s office. The Starke County Election Board will hold hearings on Aug. 20. More detailed information will be given in the formal notices sent by the clerk’s office.
Friday, June 29, 2018
General Election to Include At-Large North Judson Town Council Seats
Posted on June 28, 2018
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
Two at-large North Judson Town Council seats will be included on the November General Election ballot.
The Starke County Election Board members noted that the North Judson Town Council did not pass an ordinance by Jan. 1 to indicate that those seats would be included in the Primary Election. Those candidates will now be determined in a Town Convention to be held by Tuesday, Aug. 21. However, if only two candidates each file for the two open positions, a Town Convention will not need to be held. Those candidates will simply move to placement on the November General Election ballot.
Candidates may file for the at-large seats by Aug. 1. Forms will be available in the Starke County Clerk’s Office.
The Starke County Election Board members indicated that they will discuss the procedure with North Judson town officials as soon as possible.
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
Two at-large North Judson Town Council seats will be included on the November General Election ballot.
The Starke County Election Board members noted that the North Judson Town Council did not pass an ordinance by Jan. 1 to indicate that those seats would be included in the Primary Election. Those candidates will now be determined in a Town Convention to be held by Tuesday, Aug. 21. However, if only two candidates each file for the two open positions, a Town Convention will not need to be held. Those candidates will simply move to placement on the November General Election ballot.
Candidates may file for the at-large seats by Aug. 1. Forms will be available in the Starke County Clerk’s Office.
The Starke County Election Board members indicated that they will discuss the procedure with North Judson town officials as soon as possible.
Starke County Election Board to Research Resolution Timetable for Late Candidate Financial Reports
Posted on June 29, 2018
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
The Starke County Election Board members are going to do more research on a timetable for their resolution for the filing of late candidate financial reports.
In May, the board members approved a resolution that outlines the board’s decision to fine candidates who are late in filing financial reports beginning with the Primary Election in 2018. A fine of $50 per day would be assessed, but that fine may be amended following the outcome of a hearing conducted by the board for each candidate who files an appeal. The resolution follows Indiana code that discusses this matter.
Clerk Vicki Cooley noted that each candidate is told of this requirement when they file for office. She explained that the candidates receive a packet of information and this notification is said to be in the packet at the time of candidate filing.
There were eight candidates who filed late forms after the April 20 deadline of this year and their fines range from $50 to $900 for each day the form was late.
The board members are unsure if the resolution they passed is effective as of the date they approved it, which is in May, or when the law was passed. After much discussion, the election board members ultimately voted unanimously to table a final decision until their July meeting for clarification.
Author Anita Goodan, WKVI
The Starke County Election Board members are going to do more research on a timetable for their resolution for the filing of late candidate financial reports.
In May, the board members approved a resolution that outlines the board’s decision to fine candidates who are late in filing financial reports beginning with the Primary Election in 2018. A fine of $50 per day would be assessed, but that fine may be amended following the outcome of a hearing conducted by the board for each candidate who files an appeal. The resolution follows Indiana code that discusses this matter.
Clerk Vicki Cooley noted that each candidate is told of this requirement when they file for office. She explained that the candidates receive a packet of information and this notification is said to be in the packet at the time of candidate filing.
There were eight candidates who filed late forms after the April 20 deadline of this year and their fines range from $50 to $900 for each day the form was late.
The board members are unsure if the resolution they passed is effective as of the date they approved it, which is in May, or when the law was passed. After much discussion, the election board members ultimately voted unanimously to table a final decision until their July meeting for clarification.
Monday, April 30, 2018
Starke, Pulaski Election Boards Finalize Plans for Next Week’s Primary
Posted on April 30, 2018
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
Final preparations are underway for next week’s primary elections. The Starke and Pulaski county election boards both have poll worker training sessions scheduled for this week.
Starke County Election Board President Harrison Fields wants to make sure all the first-time poll workers are ready. “I’m not really scared about this election, but I just know in my own mind that when that door opens at 6:00, you’ve got to have the people there to run it,” he said during last week’s election board meeting. “It’s got to go.” This week’s training sessions have already been finalized, but board members said it might be helpful to offer extra training for inspectors in the future.
The Indiana Election Division offers online training as a backup, but Pulaski County Election Board Member Laura Bailey says the system has some major flaws. “There are three sections that have no video that you’re supposed to be seeing and many of the others date back to 2005,” she said during last week’s election board meeting. “And so I sat there while somebody was going through the online training and made corrections and said, ‘Well, really it’s this,’ because laws have changed since then. And I think we need to communicate that with the IED and urge them to update it.”
Pulaski County Clerk Christi Hoffa says the electronic poll books’ operating systems have been updated, but the voter file will be downloaded closer to Election Day. Starke County Clerk Vicki Cooley was still waiting for some election materials to arrive, as of last Wednesday. “I called again on our books because I was getting very nervous about it,” she told election board members last week. “I even offered to saddle up my pickup truck and come down to Indy and get them. They said they would overnight them, and we should be receiving them no later than Monday [today].”
On Election Day, a representative from MicroVote will be in Starke County to handle any issues with voting machines. Pulaski County will save money by having local officials get some extra training from MicroVote ahead of time, according to Election Board Chair Jon Frain. “The purpose of the training is that MicroVote has a person that we can pay a large some of money to sit here all day with us on Election Day, and this is the same training they go through,” he explained. “And the last election we had, both in the primary and in the general election that year, whenever there was an issue, he called down to Indianapolis to MicroVote and asked the questions. So we’re going to get the same training and have the same access, but we’re saving the county money.”
Frain says the three election board members, a mechanic, two canvass board members, and IT Consultant Willie DeGroot will all attend the training. County IT Director Matt Voltz was apparently invited to attend, but Hoffa hadn’t heard back from him, as of last Tuesday.
Meanwhile, the Starke County Election Board continues making sure the new Oregon Township Precinct 2 polling place is brought up to ADA standards. Board members noted that a ramp may have to be placed at one of the doors at the Koontz Lake Association Clubhouse, due to a gap between the concrete and the door threshold. Board members planned to take final measurements at the site last Wednesday.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
Final preparations are underway for next week’s primary elections. The Starke and Pulaski county election boards both have poll worker training sessions scheduled for this week.
Starke County Election Board President Harrison Fields wants to make sure all the first-time poll workers are ready. “I’m not really scared about this election, but I just know in my own mind that when that door opens at 6:00, you’ve got to have the people there to run it,” he said during last week’s election board meeting. “It’s got to go.” This week’s training sessions have already been finalized, but board members said it might be helpful to offer extra training for inspectors in the future.
The Indiana Election Division offers online training as a backup, but Pulaski County Election Board Member Laura Bailey says the system has some major flaws. “There are three sections that have no video that you’re supposed to be seeing and many of the others date back to 2005,” she said during last week’s election board meeting. “And so I sat there while somebody was going through the online training and made corrections and said, ‘Well, really it’s this,’ because laws have changed since then. And I think we need to communicate that with the IED and urge them to update it.”
Pulaski County Clerk Christi Hoffa says the electronic poll books’ operating systems have been updated, but the voter file will be downloaded closer to Election Day. Starke County Clerk Vicki Cooley was still waiting for some election materials to arrive, as of last Wednesday. “I called again on our books because I was getting very nervous about it,” she told election board members last week. “I even offered to saddle up my pickup truck and come down to Indy and get them. They said they would overnight them, and we should be receiving them no later than Monday [today].”
On Election Day, a representative from MicroVote will be in Starke County to handle any issues with voting machines. Pulaski County will save money by having local officials get some extra training from MicroVote ahead of time, according to Election Board Chair Jon Frain. “The purpose of the training is that MicroVote has a person that we can pay a large some of money to sit here all day with us on Election Day, and this is the same training they go through,” he explained. “And the last election we had, both in the primary and in the general election that year, whenever there was an issue, he called down to Indianapolis to MicroVote and asked the questions. So we’re going to get the same training and have the same access, but we’re saving the county money.”
Frain says the three election board members, a mechanic, two canvass board members, and IT Consultant Willie DeGroot will all attend the training. County IT Director Matt Voltz was apparently invited to attend, but Hoffa hadn’t heard back from him, as of last Tuesday.
Meanwhile, the Starke County Election Board continues making sure the new Oregon Township Precinct 2 polling place is brought up to ADA standards. Board members noted that a ramp may have to be placed at one of the doors at the Koontz Lake Association Clubhouse, due to a gap between the concrete and the door threshold. Board members planned to take final measurements at the site last Wednesday.
Friday, April 27, 2018
Starke, Pulaski Election Boards Plan Hearings, Fines for Late Campaign Finance Reports
Posted on April 27, 2018
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
Candidates in next month’s primary who were late in turning in their financial reports can expect hearings before the election board and possible fines.
During Tuesday’s Pulaski County Election Board meeting, Clerk Christi Hoffa said that nine candidates turned in their pre-primary campaign finance reports after last Friday’s noon deadline. “We have to have a hearing,” she explained. “They are all given an opportunity to come to the hearing, state their case, why they were late, whatever it may be. We then have to assess the fine, which is state-set at $50 per calendar day, which includes the weekends, or we can vote to reduce or waive the fee only by unanimous decision.”
The Pulaski County Election Board plans to hold hearings later in May, after Election Day.
In Starke County, six late finance reports had been received by the clerk’s office, as of Wednesday’s election board meeting. But Clerk Vicki Cooley wasn’t sure if there were others that still hadn’t been turned in. Before the Starke County Election Board can start assessing fines, though, it has to come up with a place to put that money. “If you did decide on a fine for a person, if has to, more or less, have it approved through the commissioners,” Cooley said, “and be a line item because we can’t accept money that there’s no place for it to go to, basically.”
The Starke County Election Board voted to prepare a resolution calling for the account to be created. It will be up for approval at the election board’s next meeting.
Going forward, Pulaski County Election Board Chair Jon Frain urges candidates to obey the deadlines in the future. “If I was to be quoted on the radio at this point, I would say for all candidates to please turn in their campaign finance reports in a timely manner for the General Election, please, the pre-election campaign, all reports in a timely fashion, please,” Frain said.
Candidates in this year’s General Election will have until Friday, October 19 at noon to file their pre-election campaign finance reports.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
Candidates in next month’s primary who were late in turning in their financial reports can expect hearings before the election board and possible fines.
During Tuesday’s Pulaski County Election Board meeting, Clerk Christi Hoffa said that nine candidates turned in their pre-primary campaign finance reports after last Friday’s noon deadline. “We have to have a hearing,” she explained. “They are all given an opportunity to come to the hearing, state their case, why they were late, whatever it may be. We then have to assess the fine, which is state-set at $50 per calendar day, which includes the weekends, or we can vote to reduce or waive the fee only by unanimous decision.”
The Pulaski County Election Board plans to hold hearings later in May, after Election Day.
In Starke County, six late finance reports had been received by the clerk’s office, as of Wednesday’s election board meeting. But Clerk Vicki Cooley wasn’t sure if there were others that still hadn’t been turned in. Before the Starke County Election Board can start assessing fines, though, it has to come up with a place to put that money. “If you did decide on a fine for a person, if has to, more or less, have it approved through the commissioners,” Cooley said, “and be a line item because we can’t accept money that there’s no place for it to go to, basically.”
The Starke County Election Board voted to prepare a resolution calling for the account to be created. It will be up for approval at the election board’s next meeting.
Going forward, Pulaski County Election Board Chair Jon Frain urges candidates to obey the deadlines in the future. “If I was to be quoted on the radio at this point, I would say for all candidates to please turn in their campaign finance reports in a timely manner for the General Election, please, the pre-election campaign, all reports in a timely fashion, please,” Frain said.
Candidates in this year’s General Election will have until Friday, October 19 at noon to file their pre-election campaign finance reports.
Thursday, April 26, 2018
Poll Worker’s Needlepoint Hobby Leads to Debate during Starke County Election Board Meeting
Posted on April 26, 2018
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
A poll worker’s needlepoint hobby led to a lengthy debate among Starke County Election Board members Wednesday. Board President Harrison Fields said he’s gotten complaints about a poll worker who’s apparently been doing needlepoint while waiting for potential voters, during in-person absentee voting hours. “I’ve had two phone calls on it, and me personally, I don’t like the looks of it, personally,” he said. “I don’t like the looks of it.”
Starke County Clerk Vicki Cooley said that during early voting, there’s sometimes a wait of several hours between voters. While the election board has decided not to allow poll workers to use laptops during voting hours, Cooley said she had no problem with them bringing along a quiet activity to work on. Fields disagreed. “I think if you go out down here in private business, I don’t think any private business is going to let you do such things,” he said.
Fields said he was okay with poll workers bringing newspapers or magazines to look at. Others warned that could lead to problems if they happen to contain pictures of candidates.
With less than two weeks until the May Primary, board member Peg Brettin asked Fields to drop the issue. “We’re picking on menial things,” she said. “We’ve got an election coming up that we need to be worrying about.”
Fields wanted to settle the matter with a vote, but Cooley and Brettin didn’t think it was worth it. “Do you really want to put a vote into the minutes that it’s okay that the ladies can take care of handiwork down there?” Brettin asked.
“Sure, why not?” Fields replied.
The issue never came to a vote, but after more than 15 minutes of discussion, board members agreed that poll workers should be asked to keep any needlepoint or other outside materials out of the sight of voters.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
A poll worker’s needlepoint hobby led to a lengthy debate among Starke County Election Board members Wednesday. Board President Harrison Fields said he’s gotten complaints about a poll worker who’s apparently been doing needlepoint while waiting for potential voters, during in-person absentee voting hours. “I’ve had two phone calls on it, and me personally, I don’t like the looks of it, personally,” he said. “I don’t like the looks of it.”
Starke County Clerk Vicki Cooley said that during early voting, there’s sometimes a wait of several hours between voters. While the election board has decided not to allow poll workers to use laptops during voting hours, Cooley said she had no problem with them bringing along a quiet activity to work on. Fields disagreed. “I think if you go out down here in private business, I don’t think any private business is going to let you do such things,” he said.
Fields said he was okay with poll workers bringing newspapers or magazines to look at. Others warned that could lead to problems if they happen to contain pictures of candidates.
With less than two weeks until the May Primary, board member Peg Brettin asked Fields to drop the issue. “We’re picking on menial things,” she said. “We’ve got an election coming up that we need to be worrying about.”
Fields wanted to settle the matter with a vote, but Cooley and Brettin didn’t think it was worth it. “Do you really want to put a vote into the minutes that it’s okay that the ladies can take care of handiwork down there?” Brettin asked.
“Sure, why not?” Fields replied.
The issue never came to a vote, but after more than 15 minutes of discussion, board members agreed that poll workers should be asked to keep any needlepoint or other outside materials out of the sight of voters.
Monday, April 2, 2018
Starke County Election Board Establishes Training Dates for Poll Workers
Posted on March 31, 2018
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
Starke County Election Board members are in election preparation mode. Clerk Vicki Cooley said they discussed the training dates for poll workers when they met Wednesday morning.
Cooley said the training days will be held on Tuesday, May 1st and Thursday, May 3rd from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. and on Saturday, May 5th from 10 a.m. until noon.
Cooley said this year, poll workers can pick up their machines and bags from the courthouse from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Sunday, May 6th. Workers are encouraged to ask any remaining questions at this time.
Primary elections will be held from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 8th. Follow the link provided, to view a list of voting locations for Starke County precincts .
If you have any questions, contact the Starke County Clerk’s office at 574-772-9128.
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
Starke County Election Board members are in election preparation mode. Clerk Vicki Cooley said they discussed the training dates for poll workers when they met Wednesday morning.
Cooley said the training days will be held on Tuesday, May 1st and Thursday, May 3rd from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. and on Saturday, May 5th from 10 a.m. until noon.
Cooley said this year, poll workers can pick up their machines and bags from the courthouse from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Sunday, May 6th. Workers are encouraged to ask any remaining questions at this time.
Primary elections will be held from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Tuesday, May 8th. Follow the link provided, to view a list of voting locations for Starke County precincts .
If you have any questions, contact the Starke County Clerk’s office at 574-772-9128.
Thursday, March 29, 2018
Starke County Election Board Discusses Upcoming Public Test for Voting Machines
Posted on March 29, 2018
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
Citizens interested in getting a little bit of “voting practice” in prior to the May Primary Election will be pleased to hear that a test voting day will be held next week.
The upcoming public test for voting machines was discussed during Wednesday morning’s Starke County Election Board meeting. Starke County Clerk Vicki Cooley said the test is being held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 3rd.
Cooley explained that this test day will be a unique opportunity for individuals to vote as many times as they want since it will just be a demonstration. She said the goal of this event is to allow voters to get comfortable with the machines.
She added that a MicroVote representative and other election officials will be on site to answer any questions.
The test day will take place next Tuesday on the second floor of the Starke County Court House located at 53 E. Washington Street.
Author Jacque Ryan, WKVI
Citizens interested in getting a little bit of “voting practice” in prior to the May Primary Election will be pleased to hear that a test voting day will be held next week.
The upcoming public test for voting machines was discussed during Wednesday morning’s Starke County Election Board meeting. Starke County Clerk Vicki Cooley said the test is being held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 3rd.
Cooley explained that this test day will be a unique opportunity for individuals to vote as many times as they want since it will just be a demonstration. She said the goal of this event is to allow voters to get comfortable with the machines.
She added that a MicroVote representative and other election officials will be on site to answer any questions.
The test day will take place next Tuesday on the second floor of the Starke County Court House located at 53 E. Washington Street.
Thursday, March 1, 2018
Starke County Election Board Sets Early Voting Hours Ahead of May Primary
Posted on March 1, 2018
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The Starke County Election Board has finalized early voting hours, ahead of the May primary. The in-person absentee voting period runs from April 10 to May 7. During that time, Starke County voters will be able to cast their ballots on the first floor of the County Courthouse in Knox weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to noon and from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Those hours will be extended to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, April 27 and Friday, May 4.
Early voting will also take place on two Saturdays, April 28 and May 5, from 8:00 a.m. to noon and 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. In-person absentee voting ends Monday, May 7 at noon.
The early voting hours were approved Wednesday by the Starke County Election Board. Even though this isn’t a presidential election year, Clerk Vicki Cooley recommended keeping similar voting hours. “We have a very full ballot,” she told board members. “We have a referendum. It’s going to take people longer to vote.”
The only major change from the last election is that evening voting will take place on Fridays, rather than Thursdays. Cooley said it will be more convenient for Starke County residents, since they’re more likely to be in Knox anyway on Friday evenings.
Election Day voting will take place Tuesday, May 8 from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at precinct polling places.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The Starke County Election Board has finalized early voting hours, ahead of the May primary. The in-person absentee voting period runs from April 10 to May 7. During that time, Starke County voters will be able to cast their ballots on the first floor of the County Courthouse in Knox weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to noon and from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Those hours will be extended to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, April 27 and Friday, May 4.
Early voting will also take place on two Saturdays, April 28 and May 5, from 8:00 a.m. to noon and 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. In-person absentee voting ends Monday, May 7 at noon.
The early voting hours were approved Wednesday by the Starke County Election Board. Even though this isn’t a presidential election year, Clerk Vicki Cooley recommended keeping similar voting hours. “We have a very full ballot,” she told board members. “We have a referendum. It’s going to take people longer to vote.”
The only major change from the last election is that evening voting will take place on Fridays, rather than Thursdays. Cooley said it will be more convenient for Starke County residents, since they’re more likely to be in Knox anyway on Friday evenings.
Election Day voting will take place Tuesday, May 8 from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at precinct polling places.
Wednesday, February 28, 2018
Starke County Election Board to Set Early Voting Hours, Set Up Ballots for May Primary
Posted on February 28, 2018
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
Plans are coming together for May’s primary election. The Starke County Election Board is scheduled to set up the ballots during this morning’s meeting. Hours for early voting at the Starke County Courthouse will also be considered.
Additionally, board members will discuss training for the absentee and traveling boards, as well as proxies for the absentee, traveling, and election boards. This morning’s Starke County Election Board meeting starts at 9:30 in the second floor meeting room in the Starke County Courthouse.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
Plans are coming together for May’s primary election. The Starke County Election Board is scheduled to set up the ballots during this morning’s meeting. Hours for early voting at the Starke County Courthouse will also be considered.
Additionally, board members will discuss training for the absentee and traveling boards, as well as proxies for the absentee, traveling, and election boards. This morning’s Starke County Election Board meeting starts at 9:30 in the second floor meeting room in the Starke County Courthouse.
Saturday, February 10, 2018
Starke County Election Board Finds Harris Ineligible for Railroad Township Board Race
Posted on February 10, 2018
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
A Railroad Township Trustee candidate is now out of the race, but another name has been added. John Harris is officially off the ballot following a pair of challenges against his campaign, according to Starke County Clerk Vicki Cooley. She says the Starke County Election Board reviewed the challenges Friday and determined that Harris was not an eligible candidate for the May primary.
Harris had filed to run as a Republican. Cooley says the problem was that he had no actual party affiliation. Normally, that would be determined by the most recent primary in which a person voted. But since Harris doesn’t have a voting record, he would have needed written permission from the Starke County Republican Party chair. That apparently was not obtained.
The other challenge accused Harris’s campaign of running advertisements that failed to identify who paid for them. But Cooley says that because it was determined that Harris was not an elegible candidate based on party affiliation, the election board decided to waive any penalties stemming from the ad.
Cooley says Harris then signed paperwork officially withdrawing from the race. However, there was also a last-minute addition to the ballot Friday, as Debra Wappel filed to run as a Republican, essentially taking Harris’s place. She’ll face incumbent Mandy Thomason in the May primary, with the winner expected to square off against former trustee Democrat Roger Chaffins, in November.
Meanwhile, by the time of Friday’s filing deadline, a total of seven candidates had filed to run for the three Railroad Township Board seats.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
A Railroad Township Trustee candidate is now out of the race, but another name has been added. John Harris is officially off the ballot following a pair of challenges against his campaign, according to Starke County Clerk Vicki Cooley. She says the Starke County Election Board reviewed the challenges Friday and determined that Harris was not an eligible candidate for the May primary.
Harris had filed to run as a Republican. Cooley says the problem was that he had no actual party affiliation. Normally, that would be determined by the most recent primary in which a person voted. But since Harris doesn’t have a voting record, he would have needed written permission from the Starke County Republican Party chair. That apparently was not obtained.
The other challenge accused Harris’s campaign of running advertisements that failed to identify who paid for them. But Cooley says that because it was determined that Harris was not an elegible candidate based on party affiliation, the election board decided to waive any penalties stemming from the ad.
Cooley says Harris then signed paperwork officially withdrawing from the race. However, there was also a last-minute addition to the ballot Friday, as Debra Wappel filed to run as a Republican, essentially taking Harris’s place. She’ll face incumbent Mandy Thomason in the May primary, with the winner expected to square off against former trustee Democrat Roger Chaffins, in November.
Meanwhile, by the time of Friday’s filing deadline, a total of seven candidates had filed to run for the three Railroad Township Board seats.
Thursday, February 8, 2018
Starke Election Board to Review Challenges Against Railroad Township Trustee Candidate
Posted on February 8, 2018
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The Railroad Township Trustee’s race is already generating some controversy. Tomorrow, the Starke County Election Board will consider two challenges against John Harris. He’s running against incumbent Mandy Thomason for the Republican Party nomination in the May primary.
One of the challenges accuses Harris’s campaign of running an improper campaign ad. County Clerk Vicki Cooley explains that according to the complaint, the ad states that it’s a paid political advertisement but doesn’t specify who paid for it, as required by law.
She says the other challenge has to do with Harris’s party affiliation. Normally, that’s determined by the most recent primary election in which a person voted. But if someone’s never voted in a primary, which appears to be the case here, that person would need permission from the party chair. Cooley says that wasn’t obtained.
She says the election board will ask a series of questions, to determine whether Harris is a legal candidate. Tomorrow morning’s Starke County Election Board meeting starts at 9:30 in the Starke County Courthouse.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The Railroad Township Trustee’s race is already generating some controversy. Tomorrow, the Starke County Election Board will consider two challenges against John Harris. He’s running against incumbent Mandy Thomason for the Republican Party nomination in the May primary.
One of the challenges accuses Harris’s campaign of running an improper campaign ad. County Clerk Vicki Cooley explains that according to the complaint, the ad states that it’s a paid political advertisement but doesn’t specify who paid for it, as required by law.
She says the other challenge has to do with Harris’s party affiliation. Normally, that’s determined by the most recent primary election in which a person voted. But if someone’s never voted in a primary, which appears to be the case here, that person would need permission from the party chair. Cooley says that wasn’t obtained.
She says the election board will ask a series of questions, to determine whether Harris is a legal candidate. Tomorrow morning’s Starke County Election Board meeting starts at 9:30 in the Starke County Courthouse.
Friday, December 15, 2017
Starke County Election Board Adopts 2018 Meeting Schedule
Posted on December 15, 2017
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The Starke County Election Board has adopted a fixed meeting schedule for 2018. Clerk Vicki Cooley says the board will meet the fourth Wednesday of each month at 9:30 a.m. But with 2018 being an election year, Cooley says more meetings may be scheduled, as needed.
The election board approved the meeting schedule Thursday morning.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The Starke County Election Board has adopted a fixed meeting schedule for 2018. Clerk Vicki Cooley says the board will meet the fourth Wednesday of each month at 9:30 a.m. But with 2018 being an election year, Cooley says more meetings may be scheduled, as needed.
The election board approved the meeting schedule Thursday morning.
Wednesday, December 13, 2017
Starke County Election Board to Enforce Deadlines on Candidate Financial Statements
Posted on December 13, 2017
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The Starke County Election Board is cracking down on candidates who don’t turn in their financial statements on time. “They have to close out their candidacy by preparing the forms according to the deadlines,” Election Board President Peg Brettin explained during last week’s meeting. “If they don’t, the way the law is set up, the county election boards throughout the State of Indiana can have a hearing for them, can bring them before the board, can assess them.”
Brettin explained that policy’s been in effect for a while, but it hasn’t really been enforced in Starke County. “In the past year or so, we more or less kind of waived that,” she said. “And we said that as of 2018, any of those candidates that do not fill out the forms in a timely manner to the Clerk’s Office and file them, we will be assessing them $50 a day until they are paid.”
Election board members said they’d be willing to pursue legal action against candidates who fail to pay.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The Starke County Election Board is cracking down on candidates who don’t turn in their financial statements on time. “They have to close out their candidacy by preparing the forms according to the deadlines,” Election Board President Peg Brettin explained during last week’s meeting. “If they don’t, the way the law is set up, the county election boards throughout the State of Indiana can have a hearing for them, can bring them before the board, can assess them.”
Brettin explained that policy’s been in effect for a while, but it hasn’t really been enforced in Starke County. “In the past year or so, we more or less kind of waived that,” she said. “And we said that as of 2018, any of those candidates that do not fill out the forms in a timely manner to the Clerk’s Office and file them, we will be assessing them $50 a day until they are paid.”
Election board members said they’d be willing to pursue legal action against candidates who fail to pay.
Tuesday, December 12, 2017
Starke County Working to Increase Voting Machine Storage Security
Posted on December 12, 2017
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The Starke County Election Board is taking steps to keep voters’ ballots secure. New regulations now require that voting machines be locked up when they aren’t in use, to prevent tampering.
Starke County’s maintenance staff has recommended securing the machines by placing a wooden beam in front of their current storage space. They say that will prevent anyone from pulling them out without having a key. Last week, the election board authorized maintenance staff to draw up a plan, so the Clerk’s Office can make sure the arrangement would comply with the new rules.
The voting machines do not connect to the Internet, so the biggest concern has to do with their physical security. On top of that, the machines’ design makes them difficult to hack into, according to MicroVote representative Steve Shamo. “The reality of it is, there’s no USB port on it,” he told the election board.
“No USB, no wireless,” added Starke County IT Director Mark Gourley. “You’d have to have one of the specialized cards to get into it, and that’s even if you had managed to figure out the bit format on that card to make modifications, assuming you got past the election judge at the polling place.”
The election board has also agreed to pursue upgrades to the voting machines themselves, to bring them up to the latest federal standards.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The Starke County Election Board is taking steps to keep voters’ ballots secure. New regulations now require that voting machines be locked up when they aren’t in use, to prevent tampering.
Starke County’s maintenance staff has recommended securing the machines by placing a wooden beam in front of their current storage space. They say that will prevent anyone from pulling them out without having a key. Last week, the election board authorized maintenance staff to draw up a plan, so the Clerk’s Office can make sure the arrangement would comply with the new rules.
The voting machines do not connect to the Internet, so the biggest concern has to do with their physical security. On top of that, the machines’ design makes them difficult to hack into, according to MicroVote representative Steve Shamo. “The reality of it is, there’s no USB port on it,” he told the election board.
“No USB, no wireless,” added Starke County IT Director Mark Gourley. “You’d have to have one of the specialized cards to get into it, and that’s even if you had managed to figure out the bit format on that card to make modifications, assuming you got past the election judge at the polling place.”
The election board has also agreed to pursue upgrades to the voting machines themselves, to bring them up to the latest federal standards.
Monday, December 11, 2017
Starke County Election Board to Pursue Voting Machine Upgrades
Posted on December 11, 2017
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The Starke County Election Board has decided to proceed with upgrades to the county’s 46 voting machines. Steve Shamo with vendor MicroVote said the goal is to bring the machines up to the latest federal standards, in time for the 2020 presidential election. “The difference is primarily how the software and the firmware, which is the resident software in each panel, thinks,” he explained. “For instance, the system that you have, the software coding is written like line one through 250,000. That’s how it thinks in logic. The new software requirements require that all functions are remained in very compartmental small blocks of code, and require what’s called a transactional operation.”
He said that will require the replacement of internal components, like processors and motherboards. “The only visible difference that your voters will see is that the screen will be different,” Shamo said. “The screen will have a dark image with white lettering on it, so it’s much more clarity. And there’s a different glare shield on the top, which, ironically, is the cheapest component that does the best work. It’s a one-dollar plastic screen.”
One thing that will not be added to Starke County’s voting system is a printed receipt for voters. Shamo said that while it might make the process seem more secure, it actually has the potential of complicating matters. “If you had some sort of device that was printing, and it missed even a single one . . . that entire audit-ability is void. You’ve missed one,” he said. “And then the second factor of it is that it’s a receipt that is sell-able, and it’s maintainable. So unless it’s you’re guaranteeing 100-percent collection of those receipts, as they’re being handed out or whatever, showing how to vote, if it leaves the polling site, that unto itself can void an election.” However, he said the system does have the ability to print individual vote records, to allow a recount to be done by hand.
Shamo said the upgrades will cost the county just over $1,400 per machine, compared to $3,900 for a brand new one. With the election board’s approval last week, the proposal now goes to the county commissioners and county council for further consideration.
The work would likely take place after the 2018 election cycle. Clerk Vicki Cooley said that might allow the election board to fund the upgrades in the 2019 budget.
Author Michael Gallenberger, WKVI
The Starke County Election Board has decided to proceed with upgrades to the county’s 46 voting machines. Steve Shamo with vendor MicroVote said the goal is to bring the machines up to the latest federal standards, in time for the 2020 presidential election. “The difference is primarily how the software and the firmware, which is the resident software in each panel, thinks,” he explained. “For instance, the system that you have, the software coding is written like line one through 250,000. That’s how it thinks in logic. The new software requirements require that all functions are remained in very compartmental small blocks of code, and require what’s called a transactional operation.”
He said that will require the replacement of internal components, like processors and motherboards. “The only visible difference that your voters will see is that the screen will be different,” Shamo said. “The screen will have a dark image with white lettering on it, so it’s much more clarity. And there’s a different glare shield on the top, which, ironically, is the cheapest component that does the best work. It’s a one-dollar plastic screen.”
One thing that will not be added to Starke County’s voting system is a printed receipt for voters. Shamo said that while it might make the process seem more secure, it actually has the potential of complicating matters. “If you had some sort of device that was printing, and it missed even a single one . . . that entire audit-ability is void. You’ve missed one,” he said. “And then the second factor of it is that it’s a receipt that is sell-able, and it’s maintainable. So unless it’s you’re guaranteeing 100-percent collection of those receipts, as they’re being handed out or whatever, showing how to vote, if it leaves the polling site, that unto itself can void an election.” However, he said the system does have the ability to print individual vote records, to allow a recount to be done by hand.
Shamo said the upgrades will cost the county just over $1,400 per machine, compared to $3,900 for a brand new one. With the election board’s approval last week, the proposal now goes to the county commissioners and county council for further consideration.
The work would likely take place after the 2018 election cycle. Clerk Vicki Cooley said that might allow the election board to fund the upgrades in the 2019 budget.
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