UPDATE: The Lake County Board of Elections and Registration has just approved a critical plan to consolidate precincts, addressing significant splits that could affect upcoming elections. This urgent decision comes after Secretary of State Diego Morales mandated that all precincts with fewer than 600 active voters must be consolidated to streamline voting processes.
During a meeting on October 21, 2023, the board voted 3-2 to reverse changes proposed by Morales that had created complex splits among county councils, commissioners, and school districts. This move is essential as it aims to simplify the voting experience for residents. “Splits can be very confusing. It’s confusing to voters. It’s confusing to candidates,” said Michelle Fajman, Director of the Lake County Board of Elections and Registration.
In response to Morales’ directive, which was issued in a letter in July, the board unanimously approved 29 precinct consolidations on July 30, 2023. However, the Secretary of State’s adjustments added complications, prompting the board to take action. Fajman emphasized that the board’s plan focuses solely on precincts with fewer than 600 voters, stating, “It was not a Democrat plan; it was a board looking at specific precincts.”
The changes initiated by the Secretary of State included problematic mergers that resulted in various splits, such as:
– Merging Gary 5-13 with Gary 5-16, creating a county council split.
– Combining West Creek Township 01 with West Creek Township 02, resulting in a town boundary split.
– Merging East Chicago 02 and East Chicago 24, leading to a city council and school board split.
These alterations could have caused significant issues on Election Day, as poll workers would need to ensure voters received the correct ballots. Fajman noted that the board conducted a thorough review to maintain clarity. “It’s important to have a streamlined process,” she stated.
The board’s decision to correct the Secretary of State’s changes was met with mixed responses. Republican members such as Mike Mellon emphasized the necessity of submitting separate reports when votes are not unanimous, ensuring transparency. “The minority party obviously has the right and the obligation to submit information when there’s a 3-2 vote against,” he remarked.
Now, the Indiana election division will review the proposed precinct consolidations for approval. If accepted, notices will be sent out to the public; if not, a hearing will be conducted to address any issues.
As the election approaches, the Lake County Board is focused on ensuring voters understand the changes. The urgency of this matter cannot be overstated; with elections looming, the clarity and efficiency of the voting process are paramount. Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
