Warrick County election board discusses 2026 vote‑center plan and possible early‑voting sites
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Summary
The Warrick County Election Board reviewed candidates for four early‑voting locations, ruled out Freeman Park, and reiterated that the clerk’s office remains the default vote center unless the board unanimously amends the county vote‑center plan; no final site changes were approved.
Paul Rudolph called the Warrick County Election Board to order and led a discussion about polling locations for the 2026 cycle, including satellite early‑voting sites and day‑of vote centers. Board members said they aim to identify four early‑voting locations and noted several venues that either declined or need further confirmation.
Why it matters: any change to the county vote‑center plan must be listed and filed with the state, and — according to guidance cited by the board — amending the plan requires the unanimous agreement of the three‑member county election board. That filing and the associated deadlines make timely confirmations and signatures urgent.
The board said Freeman Park is off the table for early voting and discussed candidates that remain or need follow‑up: the clerk’s office (listed now for Booneville), locations in Lynnville, the Ohio Township Trustee’s office, and a downtown Legion Hall that expressed interest but still needs to confirm availability for the full early‑voting period. Several venues contacted earlier — including a union hall and a fire station — cannot accommodate the full schedule. New York HealthCare requested paperwork because of an ownership change, and Abundant Life church declined to host voting.
Paul Rudolph summarized the legal stance the board cited: “Since the vote center plan requires unanimous vote of the county election board to be amended, including changing voting center locations, it is the county election board with all 3 members in agreement to have the power to establish where vote center locations will be for an election.” He also said the clerk’s office remains the Booneville vote center “until otherwise,” noting the clerk cannot unilaterally relocate a designated vote center without the board’s action.
Board members assigned follow‑ups: Nancy Woosley and Mike Wilson agreed to confirm availability and the full early‑voting period with prospective hosts (including the Legion and Living Word Church). The board emphasized they do not yet have enough confirmed information to amend the vote‑center plan and cautioned that any amendment will require a formal, unanimous board action and a rapid filing with the state.
Votes at a glance: at this meeting the board approved the Nov. 13 and Dec. 12 minutes (both motions were moved by Nancy Woosley and seconded by Paul Rudolph; both motions carried 3–0). No vote was taken on site changes.
Next steps: the board asked staff to gather final confirmations and return with a proposed amended plan; the board scheduled its next meeting for Feb. 6 at 2 p.m.
