The election board is scheduled to convene on December 26, yet the prospects for vote centers in Monroe County seem to be diminishing

Monroe County, Indiana – A committee that convened for the first time approximately a year ago made strides on Thursday in finalizing a plan to set up vote centers in Monroe County.

Indiana state election law mandates the development of a plan to establish a vote center system for Monroe County, with advocates of the initiative aiming for its implementation by the 2026 elections.

A meeting of the three-member, bipartisan Monroe County election board is scheduled for Dec. 26, the day after Christmas, as part of the vote center study committee’s efforts. The board may review a vote center plan, provided it is completed by that date.

Vote centers serve as polling places where all registered voters within the county have the opportunity to cast their ballots, regardless of their designated precincts tied to a particular site. Supporters of vote centers argue that they offer a straightforward solution to the inquiry: Where can I go to cast my ballot? Response: At any polling place.

However, there are two obstacles to implementing a vote center system before the year’s end, or even in time for the 2026 elections. There exists a legal barrier, alongside a political one.

The legal obstacle arises from the reality that on December 26, according to state law, the election board can only conduct “a public hearing to present a draft plan for the administration of vote centers in the county.” Following the required minimum 30-day public review period and the conclusion of the hearing, the election board may then proceed to vote on the adoption of an order that approves the draft vote center plan.

An election board vote regarding the adoption of a plan is not expected to take place before the end of the year. The status of the Dec. 26 election board meeting remains uncertain, as it is unclear whether it has been officially designated as a hearing for the presentation of a draft vote center plan or if it is simply a regular board meeting.

The necessity for a unanimous vote from the three-member board presents a significant political obstacle. John Fernandez, the appointee from the Monroe County Democratic Party to the election board, along with Nicole Browne, the elected county clerk and fellow Democrat, are generally in favor of vote centers.

Judith Benckart, the appointee from the Monroe County Republican Party, shows support for vote centers. Recently, Benckart announced that she will be resigning, with her departure set for the end of the year.

William Ellis, the GOP chair and a member of the vote center committee, expresses skepticism regarding vote centers, labeling them as a “solution looking for a problem.” He also holds the authority to appoint members to the election board. Ellis raises doubts about the existence of solid evidence supporting the idea that vote centers result in cost savings or enhance voter participation.

Ellis has selected John Arnold to take over for Benckart. Arnold brings a professional accounting background and has been involved in the leadership of the county’s Republican Party.

Last week, Ellis addressed a B Square inquiry regarding whether he had put Arnold through a vote center “litmus test” prior to making his appointment decision. Ellis stated that it was not a “litmus test,” although vote centers played a role in the decision. According to Ellis, the individual appointed to the election board should embody the “will of the political party.”

In his recent resignation letter, Benckart considered the possibility of convening a special board meeting before the year’s end to vote on the proposed plan.

During the latter part of Thursday’s committee meeting, Ellis disclosed that the phrasing of Arnold’s appointment indicates that his role on the election board will commence “at the next meeting, or as of January 1st 2025.”

Consequently, Arnold will serve as the GOP appointee during the election board meeting scheduled for December 26.

During the meeting on Thursday, the details surrounding Ellis’s appointment were revealed as Ellis inquired about the board’s urgent need to convene on December 26.

The plan was that if a vote occurred before the year’s end, it would be Benckart’s affirmative vote rather than Arnold’s negative one that would be recorded.

Ilana Stonebraker, the committee chair, addressed Ellis, stating, “This election board has clearly indicated their desire to meet with us promptly.” Stonebraker expressed concern, stating, “With a new election board set to take over in the new year, we fear that this transition could put our efforts at risk.”

Ellis pointed out that the changeover is set to occur this year, contingent upon the election board convening on Dec. 26.

The committee aims to finish its assigned task promptly rather than delaying it. During Thursday’s meeting, committee member Steve Volan expressed his thoughts clearly: “I believe we should complete the darn document, no matter what else occurs.”

The committee aims to convene on December 20 to finalize a draft vote center plan, which may be presented to the election board during its meeting on December 26.

On Thursday, the committee implemented a notable adjustment to the draft vote center plan it had been developing—opting to recommend the use of 29 vote centers, an increase from the previous 22.

During the latest election on November 5, Monroe County utilized 29 polling locations based on precincts. The support for utilizing all current polling locations as vote centers largely stems from the belief that the inaugural election featuring vote centers in 2026 will serve as an opportunity to collect data on voter behavior, allowing for adjustments to be made according to observed trends.

The committee’s decision to select 29 locations rather than 22 was not reached unanimously, with committee chair Ilana Stonebraker expressing dissent. She announced the result of the vote, saying, “Then we’ll proceed with 29.” With enthusiasm, she exclaimed, “Let’s do it!”

In the coming weeks, if the committee successfully finalizes a vote center plan for a 30-day public review period, the Monroe County election board could potentially adopt the vote centers by late January or early February 2025.

Monroe County remains among the 27 counties in Indiana that continue to utilize precinct-based polling locations. All remaining 65 counties have implemented vote centers. In 2011, the election board voted to establish vote centers in Monroe County, resulting in a narrow 2–1 decision, with opposition from the Republican Party appointee.