Increased Early Voting in Lake and Porter Counties

Early voting in Lake and Porter counties is surpassing figures from the midterms four years ago, according to election officials. This rise coincides with earlier campaigning and voting in each election cycle. Michelle Fajman, Director of Elections and Registrations in Lake County, reported around 46,000 early voters as of Friday morning. This is an increase from 30,000 during the same period in the previous midterm election. While mail-in voting has decreased by about 5,000, early voting overall shows an increase of approximately 10,000 votes compared to four years ago.

Fajman noted that walk-in early voting is strong, highlighting the convenience and ease it provides to voters. She also commented that the decline in mail-in votes was not surprising, considering its earlier spotlight in political discussions. An archival report from the Post-Tribune in September revealed the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to block certain U.S. Postal Service rules that would have impacted mail-in voting. Fajman expressed optimism for continued high turnout on Election Day despite the unknown factors driving the increase in early voting.

Although Fajman does not attribute the rise in early voting to the U.S. Department of Justice having monitors in Lake County on Election Day, she confirmed a meeting with DOJ officials. These monitors, positioned in Lake and Marion counties due to their population sizes, will conduct exit interviews to assess polling accessibility. They will wear plain clothes and will only converse with willing voters.

Randy Niemeyer, Chair of the Lake County Republican Party, suggested that changing voter behaviors are likely responsible for increased early voting. He emphasized adapting campaign strategies accordingly, advising a shift towards earlier timeframes.

Mike Repay, Chair of the Lake County Democratic Party, shared his encouragement at seeing higher early turnout. He stressed the importance of access to polling places, rejecting the idea that DOJ monitors have influenced turnout.

Porter County experiences a surge in early voting as well, described by Sundae Schoon, Director of Elections and Registration Office, as incredibly busy. She noted a significant portion of voting occurs in advance of Election Day, with 19,377 early in-person votes and 1,698 mail-in ballots at the time of reporting.

Porter County Democratic Chair Don Craft and Republican Chair Nate Uldricks both highlighted traditional voting patterns, with Democrats favoring early voting and Republicans preferring Election Day. However, efforts to encourage early voting in the Republican camp continue. Craft emphasized the importance of every individual voting independently, not relying on others.

As early voting concludes on Monday at noon and Election Day approaches, Schoon and her team prepare for maximum turnout. She advised voters to plan properly, bring ID, and treat poll workers with respect. Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday. For further information, voters can visit www.indianavoters.com.