Election board approves appointment list and delegates authority to clerk to fill vacancies

The Monroe County Election Board on April 23 approved a resolution to appoint precinct election officers for the May 2026 primary and amended the resolution to delegate authority to the county clerk to fill subsequent vacancies.

Board members reviewed the standard resolution, which cites state code (transcript reference reads "Indiana code 36611") and attaches nominee lists as exhibit A. A motion to adopt the resolution was made and seconded. Several members noted there were still open slots on the roster and asked whether the clerk could be authorized to fill vacancies without requiring repeated board meetings.

Board members discussed prior practice of final approvals on or before election day, and the clerk recommended delegating appointment authority for vacancies to ensure trained poll workers could be assigned promptly. The board instructed the clerk to incorporate the delegation language into the resolution; the motion to approve the resolution "with the requested amendments" was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote. At least one member voiced opposition during the roll-call portion of the voice vote.

Board members said the delegation would be limited to filling vacancies after the board’s primary appointment; they emphasized that appointees must complete required training and accept the oath before the appointment is effective. The clerk confirmed she will amend the resolution text to reflect the delegation and attach the final lists as exhibits.

The board did not record a numerical roll-call tally in the minutes provided; the outcome was an approved amended resolution. Members discussed the usual practice of posting the final lists and performing a final approval as late as the morning of election day when last-minute replacements occur.