The Starke County Election Board has set times for absentee voting heading into November’s General Election.
Board members met Thursday morning to review the resolution setting times for voters unable to cast a ballot on Election Day. Cost comparisons with previous elections were provided for review.
Board member Peg Brettin says they will be cutting hours worked compared to the Knox primary earlier this year after speaking with workers.
“Even with the last time, they said: gee, can they cut back some of the hours? Because they didn’t find themselves having something to do,” says Brettin.
Voters can cast their absentee ballots between 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday beginning October 6th. There will also be a couple of Saturdays to allow for additional voting opportunities. That will take place between 8:00 a.m. and Noon.
That compares with the 7 hours available during the primary election.
Three workers will assist those voting absentee from the Starke County Clerk’s office. At this point, the Starke County Election Board is anticipating about 300 absentee ballots.
Brettin says the Election Board will have to be mindful of the absentee hours going forward.
“Even though we’re cutting it back, this is a special referendum,” says Brettin. “And at a time when we don’t have the numbers there for voting, we don’t want to lose those hours in 2016.”
Presidential elections typically have much stronger voter turnout.
The Election Board approved the resolution unanimously. The Starke County Clerk anticipates spending more than $150 per week to provide the absentee voting service in October and November.
Training for poll workers will take place later this month.
