This year’s June 2 primary election is going to be like none experienced before. And, election officials are scrambling to line up enough poll workers to conduct election day voting.
Elections administrator Beth Sheller is encouraging absentee voting, which is available to any registered voter in Hamilton County. About 12,000 applications have already been received. Applications can be found online at the election office website.
But, on Election Day, polls will be open and must be staffed with about 800 workers. Here is where the immediate problem lies as many older previous workers will not be working due to health concerns related to the pandemic.
Sheller said she is looking for teenagers and teachers who are out of school, and may want to be helpful and be paid for their work. Students as young as 16 are eligible to work. The pay ranges from $225 for inspectors to $105 for clerks and judges plus a $20 food allowance.
The elections office may also need counters for absentee ballots. Pay is $100 per day. In all cases applications for the positions can be found on the election office website or by calling the office at (317) 776-8476.
Due to the current health emergency, a few precinct voting places will be moved. Voters will be notified if their location is changed.
Early voting is another option being offered again this year from May 26 through May 30.
There will be two locations for early voting in Noblesville: the County 4-H Fairgrounds Annex Building and the Government and Judicial Center.
In Carmel, early voting locations are the Mercy Road Church and the Coxhall Mansion at Coxhall Gardens, but at this location voting is available only through May 29.
In Westfield, the sites are City Hall and the Westfield Public Safety Building.
Fishers early voting sites will be found at City Hall and at Billericay Park.
Hours in all locations are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.