Hamilton County to open early voting satellite locations

NOBLESVILLE, Ind (WISH) – Hamilton County is trying to ease early voting by giving neighbors more locations than ever.

This comes as election officials know things are about to get busy at the county center. “2008 and 2012, this building was packed,” Hamilton County election administrator Kathy Richardson said. “I mean, we had people wrapped around these hallways, wrapped outside. We came in on a Saturday, and they were lined out back to the river to come in here.”

Things might be different this year. In addition to Noblesville, neighbors will now be able to vote at sites in Fishers, and Carmel.

“I think that’s a great idea,” Carmel resident, Joy Hughes said. “I think there’s probably going to be a large turnout this year, possibly, and more options are always better.”

In fact, they are expecting a big turnout. Since the primary, Hamilton County has received a rush of registered voters.

Four years ago, the county added 16,824. This year, it’s nearly double the amount at 29,197.

“It was time, and it has been a lot of work to get them set up and staffed, but I think it’ll be well worth it for the voters,” Richardson said.

Although the sites are to be added in Fishers, and Carmel, any Hamilton County neighbor can go. And if people do, expect to see the expanded service to stay.

“Once we kind of get the hang of it, and are more comfortable with it, I think it’ll be something we’ll continue to do,” Richardson said.

Expanding locations does have a cost. Both Fishers City Hall, and the library in Carmel, are donating space. But between adding new staff, and new technology, it’ll cost a minimum of $20,000.

“It may be an expensive alternative, but there are probably people that wouldn’t vote that will vote because they can do it early and avoid standing, or going through a lengthy process,” Fishers resident, James Haley said.

In order to cast an early ballot, you need to make sure you’re registered by October 11th, and bring a government issued ID. There will be differences between the Noblesville site and those two satellites in terms of days its open and also the hours. To learn more, click here.