Local News

SLOW START: Low opening turnout expected for non-presidential election early voting

April 6, 2022

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128546825_web1_20220405dr-Early-Election1 — The first day of early voting at the courthouse annex station. Tuesday, April 5, 2022.

Tom Russo| Daily Reporter

GREENFIELD — Except for the occasional first-comer, the aptly painted red, white and blue partitions stood vacant, their writing surfaces free of ballots, the spaces before them absent of voters darkening ovals next to the names of those they want to see lead.

But the election is still young, and there remain plenty of opportunities for early voting in Hancock County.

The practice kicked off Tuesday at the Hancock County Annex to a low turnout, however that didn’t come as a surprise in a year when the nation’s highest office isn’t among the contests.

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After opening at 11 a.m., the vote center had collected 32 ballots by mid-afternoon.

“Nothing like last year,” said Mike Wherry, election inspector, referring to 2020.

The presidency was on the ballot that year, after all, which tends to draw the largest participation.

“I think that makes a big difference,” he said.

The center closed at 7 p.m. with a total of 40 ballots.

Wherry said opening day went smoothly, with no snags or equipment failures.

“I think they got it down pretty good,” he said of his fellow vote center workers.

Fortville resident Darcy Lund was one of the voters who took advantage of the early opportunity. She headed to Greenfield Tuesday to tackle three errands in one stop at the Annex — cast her ballot, visit the county treasurer’s office and get her second COVID-19 booster at the health department. She said she remains vigilant against the virus and doesn’t like to needlessly stray far from home.

“I try to make all my trips count,” Lund said, adding that the higher-than-normal gas prices also have her economizing her travels.

With no line to wait in, she was able to finish voting in a manner of minutes, allowing time to share a pie recipe with some vote center workers.

“They’re local people; it’s just nice,” she said.

Voting, regardless of early or on Election Day, is important to Lund. She recalled the words of her grandmother: “If you’re going to complain about it, be ready to do something about it.”

“It’s my vote,” Lund said. “Because of that, I will always exercise my rights. If we don’t, it’s going to go away maybe someday. This is where we get our voices heard.”

She headed to the ballot box Tuesday with concerns over the ways in which government officials behave.

“It’s upside down with all the finger-pointing,” Lund said. “Let’s be civil to each other.”

Lund also had local issues on her mind, like the ongoing industrial and residential development booms in the county. She added she recognizes the need for progress, but thinks it should be slower and more deliberate.

With varying levels of competition, up for election in Hancock County this year are multiple county positions, all township trustee and advisory board roles, Fortville and McCordsville town council seats, precinct committeemen and state convention delegates. Also up are U.S. senator, U.S. representative and the three state representative districts that include parts of Hancock County.

Early voting continues at the Annex throughout this month and will be available elsewhere throughout the county later on in the month as well.

2022 PRIMARY ELECTION (MAY 3)

EARLY VOTE CENTERS:

Hancock County Annex

111 American Legion Place, Greenfield

11 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays April 5-29

8 a.m. to noon Monday, May 2