The Starke County Election Board members took time this week to look at the 2024 election and look toward election processes in 2026.
Those who work for candidates are reminded that there is a 50 foot chute around the perimeter of the entrance to a Vote Center and that boundary cannot be crossed to campaign for a candidate. There were some instances at the Koontz Lake Vote Center where that was a slight issue. As candidates prepare for campaigns for the 2026 elections, they are reminded to discuss that with anyone assisting them with campaigns.
According to (IC 3-5-2-10), the chute is a 50 foot radius measured from the entrance at a polling site, early voting site, the office of the Circuit Court Clerk, or a satellite office of the Circuit Court Clerk. If the property line of the polling place or an office is less than 50 feet from the door or entrance to the polling place or office, the chute is measured from the exterior door or entrance to the polling place or office to one-half the distance to the property line of the polling place or office nearest to the entrance to the polls. Whenever there are two or more doors or entrances to the polls, the inspector of the precinct shall designate one door or entrance as the door for voters to enter for the purpose of voting.
Also, the “Vote Here” sign will be moved to across the Koontz Lake Vote Center to avoid confusion of the placement by property owners.
Clerk Bernadette Manuel noted that elected officials may work the polls on Election Day as long as they are not on the ballot. She said there were several questions concerning that during the last election.
Manuel also told the board members that the IEC 22 forms were submitted and filed with the state. The forms indicate the inventory of all election equipment.
The next meeting of the Starke County Election Board is Wednesday, April 16 at 9:30 a.m. CT in the second floor conference room in the Starke County Courthouse at 53 E. Washington Street in Knox.
