Marion County Clerk Beth White reminded residents this week to know where to vote, because about one in three will have a new polling location.
White said with the May 8 Primary Election just days away, “Marion County voters need to be election ready, especially since there are dramatic changes in precincts and polling locations.”
She said, “Many voters will be voting in a new location this election. It’s important that residents use the tools available to them to know where to go to vote and tell their friends and neighbors about any changes.”
The clerk said in late 2011, Mayor Greg Ballard redrew the county’s precinct lines, increasing the total number from 590 to 600. State law also requires the mayor to select polling locations, and his final list reduced the number of sites from about 330 in May 2011 to 297 in May 2012.
To be election ready, voters can do the following:
• Look in your mailbox. The Board of Voters Registration, a separate office from the Election Board, is mailing a postcard to all Marion County voters with updated precinct and polling locations.
• Use the online Voter Information Portal – www.indy.gov/VIP. Marion County voters can use this portal to customize their election information using their address to pinpoint their polling location, voting districts and sample ballots.
• Call 327-VOTE (8683). Staff is available now to answer questions about location changes. Closer to Election Day, an automated phone-based polling place locator will be available, too.
Another option available to all Marion County voters is to vote early in the Clerk’s office. You do not need a reason, but do need a valid photo ID issued by the state of Indiana or federal government. Use the Delaware Street entrance to the City-County Building for easy access to the office. The office is open weekdays through April 27 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; the two weekends before Election Day from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and extended hours the week of April 30 to May 4 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Early voting ends at noon, Monday, May 7.
Voters can learn more about polling location and district changes on the Election Board website – www.indy.gov/election. There’s also a special web page resources that Marion County residents can use to notify their friends, neighbors and co-workers so that they, too, can be election ready.
