The Starke County Election Board members discussed a proposed resolution that requires more secure measures when handling and storing voting equipment.
Clerk Vicki Cooley said the articles within the resolution are Indiana Election Codes, but specific codes included in the local resolution are suited to fit the county’s needs.
The resolution proposes security measures that will reassure county residents of the integrity of an election. A seal will placed on each voting system and electronic poll book used in an election. A log book will also be maintained for those who access a secure room where the voting equipment will be stored.
The secure room was a topic of debate of the board members as Clerk Vicki Cooley said an area, that would be used as the secure room, would be constructed inside the second floor meeting room in the courthouse with secure doors and locks. The members didn’t feel that the described closet-type area meets the definition of “secure room” that is stated in the Indiana Code and local resolution. They also looked at an article in the resolution that allows the election board to designate individuals who will be the only personnel who will have access to the voting equipment. They discussed who those individuals may be.
The election board voted to unanimously accept the resolution as it is written to meet the state’s submission deadline, but they will amend it as needed once other questions are clarified.
