(Zach Herdon, WFIU/WTIU News)
The Monroe County Election Board approved six locations for combined precincts in June’s primary election.
These locations are spread throughout the county and include: Edgewood High School, Bloomington City Hall, Sherwood Oaks Christian Church, Arlington Heights Elementary, Grandview Elementary, and Southside Christian Church.
A seventh location will be added.
Hal Turner chairs the Monroe County Election board and is the Republican representative. He says in the next couple weeks, Monroe County registered voters will get a letter detailing how to vote by mail and what precinct they should go to if they would rather vote in person.
READ MORE: Here's How To Make Sure You're Ready To Vote By Mail In Indiana's Primary Election
“We’re really encouraging people to vote from home," he says. "The absolute safest way people can vote in a COVID-19 environment is to vote from home.”
Turner says one goal of limiting voting locations is to limit the need for volunteers on Election Day, who tend to be older adults -- a population considered high-risk for COVID-19.
If people have questions about their precinct location, Turner says they can call Election Central.
It's hard to know how many people will vote in the primary, Turner says. Because, in response to COVID-19, early voting has been limited to five-and-a-half days, and people are being asked to go to new locations.
He adds that poll workers will all be wearing protective gear and santitation plans are in place to protect both workers and voters.
The deadline to register to vote in this year's primary election is Monday, May 4.
For the latest news and resources about COVID-19, bookmark our Coronavirus In Indiana page here.
