Vigo County Clerk’s Office passes enhanced protocol for upcoming election
Like most businesses and organizations, the Vigo County Clerk’s Office has adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic with strategic solutions and innovative ideas to ensure the American right to vote is still upheld. Tuesday, the Vigo County Election Board voted to amend the previously adopted 2020 Vote Center Plan for the upcoming primary election.
The amended agreement states that voting centers will remain open; however, policy has been initiated to ensure that all vote centers be operated in a safe manner and every precaution be used to protect both voters and poll workers.
The policy includes the approved location of eight vote centers, five of which are super vote centers each housing 20 voting machines spread eight feet apart to exceed proper social distancing standards. The increase in machines per location will increase the efficiency of the voting process, allowing lines to move with ease. The policy also addresses an additional one thousand styluses that will be used at each location to create a hands-free machine. Each voting station and stylus will be properly disinfected after each use.
“Vigo County has taken extra precautions to prepare for this voting season,” states Brad Newman, Vigo County Clerk. “COVID-19 does not quiet the voice of our citizens’ votes. Every vote and every voice are instrumental in our democracy, and because of this, we will continue adapting and establishing proper protocols that ensure safety and prioritize health.”
The Vigo County Election Board’s main goal when developing the amended 2020 primary election vote center plan was to encourage voter participation while keeping voters and poll workers safe throughout the in-person voting process.
Registered voters are encouraged to vote by absentee mail ballot. This method provides voters a safe and secure option to make their voice heard. Voters who are interested in voting by mail can request an absentee ballot by calling the Vigo County Clerk’s Absentee Voting Office at 812.462.3235 or by visiting IndianaVoters.com. The deadline for requesting an absentee mail ballot is May 21.
Voting stations will open beginning May 26 through June 2.
Vote Center Locations and Times
Vigo County Annex
Tuesday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
June 1, 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
Election Day June 2, 6 a.m.-6 p.m.
Haute City Center (Honey Creek Mall)
IBEW Local Union #725
TH South Vigo High School
TH North Vigo High School
West Vigo Middle School
Vigo County Solid Waste Management
Meadows Banquet Center
Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Election Day June 2, 6 a.m.-6 p.m.
