STATEHOUSE (Dec. 8, 2020) – State Sen. Mike Bohacek (R-Michiana Shores) today announced his plans to introduce legislation for the 2021 legislative session that would require vote center counties to place at least one vote center in each municipality within the county.
Counties that use the vote center model allow voters to cast their ballots at any polling place, rather than requiring them to do so at a specific polling location.
Bohacek drafted this legislation to address a local issue that occurred during the recent elections regarding the towns of Walkerton and North Liberty, both located in St. Joseph County.
"In this year's primary, there were no vote center locations in Walkerton or North Liberty," Bohacek said. "Prior to the general election, the St. Joseph County Election Board approved a center for Walkerton, however, this demonstrates how voters in rural communities might have been disenfranchised, since the towns are so far from the other polling places. This legislation would help ensure that all Hoosiers have access to a convenient, local place to cast a ballot. Vote centers provide greater flexibility and cut voting costs, but it's important we ensure vote center counties still provide all voters with accessible polling places."
In 2011, the Indiana General Assembly passed Senate Enrolled Act 32 and House Enrolled Act 1242, making vote centers an option for any Indiana county.
For more information on vote centers, click here.
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For high-resolution photos of Bohacek, click here.
