Don’t forget it’s Indiana’s primary
The polls are open until 6 p.m. to vote in Indiana’s 2020 primary. During a time of protests and COVID-19, it may be hard to remember the election is even going on.
Hoosier voters were originally scheduled to cast their primary ballots on May 5. Then, in March, Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb signed an executive order to push back the primary to June 2 (today) over concerns about spreading the novel coronavirus.
Election officials have been working with state leaders for the last month to prepare for voting during a unique time.
In Hendricks County, poll workers will be wearing masks and practicing social distancing. Voters are encouraged to do the same.
“Yes, we do have some masks at all our polling locations in case someone does not have a mask and wants one,” said Hendricks County Clerk Debbie Hoskins.
Local election workers are expecting a low turnout of traditional in-person voting today. This primary, Hendricks County received an unprecedented number of absentee ballots.
“We have mailed out 10,152 ballots. This is a record for Hendricks County voting by mail,” said Hoskins.
To keep up with the number of mailed ballots and work with the state to provide poll workers with PPE has taken some extra manpower.
“This election, I have had more people working to prepare for the election. I usually have around 10 workers, this election I had up to 18 people working. Some worked 8 hours. Some of us worked up to 14 hours a day,” she said. Early in-person voting that took place at four locations around Hendricks County from May 26th through June 1 had a low turnout of 1,903 voters.
The clerk’s office is predicting a low in-person voter turnout again today.
Voters can go to https://indianavoters.in.gov/ to find their polling place.
