Hamilton County Election Board to revisit vote center proposal

Public invited to attend Sept. 29 meeting & share feedback

Editor’s note: The Reporter published incorrect information in the Wednesday, Aug. 5 story, “Vote centers coming to Hamilton County.” In fact, the Election Board has voted to restart the process of the county moving to vote centers, but that process is not yet finalized. The Reporter regrets the error.

* * *

The Hamilton County Election Board will reconsider transitioning from traditional precinct-based voting to a countywide vote center model. A public meeting and vote are scheduled for 10 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29 in the Commissioners’ Courtroom at the Hamilton County Judicial Center in Noblesville.

If approved, Hamilton County would begin using vote centers during the 2027 Municipal Elections, giving election officials an opportunity to refine the process before the higher-turnout 2028 Presidential Election.

Unlike the current system, which requires voters to cast ballots at their assigned precinct, vote centers allow residents to vote at any designated location in the county on Election Day. Hamilton County currently operates 102 precincts, but under the proposal would establish 57 vote centers. That’s more than double the 27 locations required by state law based on the county’s registered voter population.

Election Board member Ray Adler, who voted against the proposal last year, says he now intends to support the measure. Adler said his decision was influenced by watching Allen County successfully implement vote centers with few issues and by the Hamilton County Election Office’s work to reestablish partnerships with every local school district. After several districts had previously stepped away from serving as polling places because of security concerns, all have now agreed to once again host Vote Center locations throughout the county.

Hamilton County Clerk Kathy Kreag Williams, who authored Indiana’s original Vote Center legislation while serving in the Indiana House of Representatives, says the model is designed to make voting easier for residents while allowing elections to keep pace with the county’s rapid growth.

“One of the biggest reasons this proposal works is because our local school districts have stepped up as partners once again,” Williams said. “By opening their buildings as vote centers, they’re helping ensure voters across Hamilton County have a convenient place to cast their ballot close to home. We’re incredibly grateful for their willingness to work with us to make voting more accessible.”

The public is encouraged to attend the Sept. 29 meeting and provide comments before the Election Board votes on the proposal. Residents may also email their opinions to kathy.williams@hamiltoncounty.in.gov or complete this online survey before Sept. 25.

Last year, the proposal did not receive the unanimous Election Board vote required under Indiana law; both the Hamilton County Commissioners and County Council had given unanimous approval.