The Starke County Election Board members opened a public hearing Wednesday morning to hear comments concerning a possible switch to Vote Centers with a vote on a draft plan later in the meeting.
The Election Board members heard comments surrounding how convenient it will be for voters if the county switches to a Vote Center county as voters can vote at any of the seven Vote Center locations in the county. There were also questions about internet security and it was noted that the voting machines are not connected to the internet. The only item that would be connected to the internet would be the e-poll books with information that is already available to the public. Clerk Bernadette Welter-Manuel also noted that all seven proposed Vote Center locations have been tested for internet connections and all can support that feature.
With a reduction of polling sites, there would be a reduction of poll workers, which Council President Dave Pearman commented would work better since it’s harder to find poll workers willing to work on Election Day.
A discussion surrounding meals for poll workers was also held, with poll worker pay and the furnishing of meals to be negotiated in a later meeting.
About 43 comment cards were read into the record where 42 of those indicated a favorable change to Vote Centers. One was against the change saying that there will be longer lines and it will be confusing to elderly residents in the community.
Overall, 100 comment cards were submitted concerning Vote Centers where 96 indicated a favorable change with four objections.
Several Starke County Council members were in attendance who collectively voiced support for Vote Centers. Two Starke County Commissioners were also in attendance to gather information from Wednesday’s meeting. Other government officials were in attendance who said this is a big progressive step for Starke County.
When it came to a vote Starke County Election Board member Harrison Fields said he wasn’t ready to make a decision Wednesday morning.
“I’m stating right now that I’m not comfortable taking a vote today. I move that we postpone this until the next board meeting,” stated Fields.
Board President Marcia Bedrock asked, “What questions do you still have that -”
“No,” interrupted Fields. “I’ve got a motion. You need to call for a second and a vote.”
“But we’re in discussion,” pointed Bedrock.
“I don’t want to discuss it no farther,” declared Fields. “I made the motion.”
“Ok,” replied Bedrock.
He later said that he’s trying to make the best informed decision for the voters in Starke County. Like he stated in an earlier meeting, he said that he has many more questions he’d like answered.
Fields’ motion died for a lack of a second. Board President Marcia Bedrock asked for a vote to approve the Vote Center Plan with Welter-Manuel and Bedrock voting in favor and Fields opposed. In order for the plan to be approved, it had to be a unanimous vote.
It was stated in the meeting that the Election Board members can attempt to vote on the plan again when they next meet on Wednesday, Jan. 22 at 9:30 a.m.
