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Vote Centers

Vote Centers. A plausible option for Clay County? Clay County Election Office 812-448-9023. Contents of Discussion. Why Vote Centers are being considered History of Vote Centers Characteristics for Vote Center locations What would change/stay the same? How to become a vote center county

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Vote Centers

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  1. Vote Centers A plausible option for Clay County? Clay County Election Office 812-448-9023

  2. Contents of Discussion • Why Vote Centers are being considered • History of Vote Centers • Characteristics for Vote Center locations • What would change/stay the same? • How to become a vote center county • Initial setup options • Questions/Answers

  3. Why change to Vote Centers?Cost Savings • Fewer poll workers needed • 2012 Elections: 115 poll workers • 2014 Elections: 36 poll workers (w/potential Vote Center plan) • Potential reduced total number of machines needed

  4. Why Change to Vote Centers?Convenience • Locations in highly visible areas • Less confusion about polling place • All ballot variations available at each of the vote center locations • Allows voters to choose which where to vote • Allows for steady stream of voters throughout Election Day

  5. History of Vote Centers • First used in Larimer County, Colorado, in 2003 • Implemented in Indiana in 2007 with three pilot vote center counties • Cass, Wayne and Vermillion • Legislation passed in 2011 allowing any Indiana county the option of becoming a Vote Center County

  6. Cass (pilot) Blackford Fayette Floyd Johnson Switzerland Tippecanoe (pilot) Vanderburgh Wayne (pilot) Counties with Approved Vote Center Plans

  7. Vote Center Characteristics • Handicapped accessibility • Adequate parking • Internet capabilities • Located on a major thoroughfare • Conducive for flow of foot traffic

  8. Before Election Day Second Early Voting locations will be open on the two Saturdays prior to Election Day Election Office at Courthouse Another location depending on election need On Election Day Fewer Voting locations Reduced from 23 to 4 More machines available per Vote Center Currently: 2-4 per location Vote Centers: Up to 16 machines per location What will change?

  9. What stays the same? • Everything else • Absentee/Early Voting elements do not change (open to all registered voters) • Begins 29 days prior to election at the courthouse • Voting by mail and traveling board options still available • Early voting enhanced with second location available the two Saturdays prior to Election Day

  10. Becoming a Vote Center County • STEP 1: Gauge Interest • Conduct informational meetings to determine level of support from public and local officials • Pass resolutions for creating a Vote Center Plan with County Commissioners and County Council • Allows Election Board to move forward in process of creating the plan for potentially establishing Vote Centers

  11. Include a diverse group Elected Officials Party Officials Community Leaders Voters Tech Support Discussion Topics Electronic poll books Poll worker training Locations Costs Preparing voters (outreach programs) Early Voting Infrastructure and technology Becoming a Vote Center CountySTEP 2: Form a Study Committee

  12. Becoming a Vote Center CountySTEP 3: Drafting the Plan • Include legal requirements set forth in Indiana Code 3-11-18.1 • Locations: How many and where (plus how many active/inactive voters) • Consider requirements in pending legislation • Equipment/Technological possibilities • Look into Vote center plans currently in effect in other counties • Available online at www.votecenters.in.gov

  13. Becoming a Vote Center County • STEP 4 – Seek Public Comment • Following public meetings, a 30-day comment period will open for public input • Allows for potential changes to be made to Vote Center plan • STEP 5 – Election Board Approval • Vote to approve plan, as well as potential future amendments, must be unanimous

  14. Becoming a Vote Center County • STEP 6 – File approved plan with the Indiana Election Division • STEP 7 – Learn from Experience • Make updates to plan as needed • Updates must be filed with the Indiana Election Division as well

  15. Initial Setup Options • Purchase/Lease equipment • Funding available through the Help America Vote Act • Necessary items include: Computers, handheld scanners, signature pads, wireless Internet cards

  16. Initial Setup Options • Current thoughts include establishing 4 Vote Centers with 16 voting machines at each location • Each location would have 9 poll workers • 1 Inspector • 4 Poll Clerks • 4 Judges

  17. Potential locations of Vote Centers • Clay County Courthouse • 4-H Fairgrounds Exhibit Hall • Orange Building (Goshorn Park) • Lewis Township Volunteer Fire Department

  18. QUESTIONS?

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