Monroe County election board certifies equipment test, readies new early‑voting space and approves extra workers for May 5 primary

The Monroe County Election Board on March 31 reviewed certified equipment test results for devices to be used in the May 5, 2026 primary, was told the new early‑voting space is ready with a short punch list, set two preparatory meetings in April and adopted a resolution to add additional poll workers to the roster.

Clerk reading correspondence reported that on March 24 the county tested six scan devices and a high‑speed scanner using a 3,988‑ballot test deck and that "test results are certified correct and accurate, respectfully submitted." The written update named BNL IT Services owner Robert A. White as present for the testing and noted a League of Women Voters observation report from Ralph Shaw.

Kylie, speaking for election staff, said 29 people checked in for the 2026 primary test — up from six at the 2024 general‑election test — and that the group included party representatives, candidates, a self‑described data analyst, prospective poll workers and the BNL team. "We cannot get through elections without Bob," Kylie said, thanking White and his team for support during setup and training.

Staff outlined voter outreach and timing: a vendor will mail postcards beginning this week with early‑voting and absentee‑by‑mail instructions and a QR code that links to a polling‑place map. The county recorded the last day to register online as April 6 (12:59 a.m. shown in office records) and said early voting begins April 7; training for poll workers is scheduled to start April 13.

Richard Crider of Monroe County Building and Fleet told the board the early‑voting area is operable and that staff expect to move into the new suite within about five business days to allow BNL and trainers time to set up equipment, program iPads and arrange training spaces. Permanent early‑voting furniture is scheduled to arrive in Indianapolis on the 7th; repaving of the facility parking lot is set for May 11. Crider said staff are seeking 83 parking passes for the Trades District parking garage and are requesting reserved street parking for overflow.

On staffing, the board discussed procedures for adding names after initial party lists are submitted. Molly (staff) explained both party chairs had asked about adding additional names; members asked staff to check the applicable state statute and to contact the state board for guidance before the April meetings. The board voted by voice to set additional meetings for April 9 and April 23 at 1:30 p.m., and then voted to adopt a resolution approving the additional workers listed in the packet. The votes were recorded by voice; mover and seconder were not specified in the minutes.

Staff also reviewed the May timeline: May 4 for election‑day setup, May 5 election day, and May 15 for the provisional‑ballot hearing (held at 12:01 to allow a 10‑day cure period for provisional ballots). The board adjourned after hearing no public comment.

Next steps identified in the meeting included staff sending statute guidance and correspondence from the state board before the April meetings and completing the early‑voting facility punch list ahead of worker training.