Elkhart County board approves disposal plan for obsolete e‑poll books and considers repurposing tablets as interactive sample ballots

The Elkhart County Election Board voted to accept a staff‑prepared list of obsolete e‑poll books for disposal or state‑approved repurposing.

The board discussed using some decommissioned tablets as interactive sample‑ballot devices instead of printing paper sample ballots. Patty (S3), the clerk’s office staff member who led the discussion, said the older devices "were obsolete as of 12/31/2024" and explained the office would "work with our IT staff to make sure that they're disposed of properly" and would clear iPads of old information before reloading current ballots for public display.

Committee member (S2) moved to accept the disposal/repurposing list and to follow state law and approval processes; Patty (S3) seconded the motion, which the board approved by voice vote. Patty said the list and plan will be submitted to the Indiana Election Division and she will notify the board whether the state approves or raises concerns.

Board members pressed for secure handling and for IT and the vendor to confirm that devices will be wiped before any repurposing. Patty said devices that cannot be reused under state rules will be destroyed according to state law; those the state permits for repurposing would be cleared and used as interactive sample‑ballot tablets at polling locations or in the clerk’s office.

Why it matters: converting eligible tablets into clickable sample ballots could reduce printing and give voters an easier way to preview ballots, but any reuse is contingent on secure data wiping and explicit state approval. The board agreed to sign the approval form at the end of the meeting and to await the state’s response before implementing repurposing.

Next steps: Patty will submit the disposal/repurposing plan to the Indiana Election Division, coordinate secure wiping with IT and the vendor, and inform the board of the state’s decision.