Owen County election officials scramble to fill poll-worker roles and finalize machine delivery, training ahead of primary

Members of the Owen County Election Board spent the bulk of the meeting working through operational election-day logistics, from filling gaps on the poll-worker list to planning machine pickups, training dates and contingency staffing.

Board members noted several unfilled assignments on the poll-worker roster, mainly on the Republican side and one Democratic site. Staff member (Speaker 2) said Linda had made courtesy calls to some late filers and that letters must be sent to those who remain delinquent; the board agreed those cases may require a post-primary hearing and that a $250 fine is a theoretical consequence for late CFA‑4 filings unless waived.

On equipment logistics, the board planned machine delivery for the day before the election with paired party representatives to sign for machines. Members agreed a small team would pick up and transport heavier machines (several members noted machines can weigh about 50 pounds once printers are installed), confirmed who would meet where for deliveries (noting locations such as Christian Life Center and Faith Baptist were on the assignment lists), and discussed using county vehicle resources if needed.

Training for judges, inspectors and poll workers is set for an evening session on April 30 and a Saturday session on May 2; the board intends to rehearse machine setup, demonstrate the pull-pad procedures and provide printed pull-pad handouts for each station. Members also discussed who will be available for machine setup the morning after pickup and arranged a contingency meeting on May 1 at 2 p.m. if last-minute issues arise.

Why it matters: ensuring adequate, eligible poll workers and timely machine delivery is critical to operating vote centers and safeguarding the preprimary and primary processes. The board assigned follow-up calls and on-the-ground checks to reduce the risk of understaffed or improperly equipped locations on election day.

Next steps: staff will send required letters, contact inspectors and judges to confirm assignments, finalize machine delivery logistics and post any required notices for ad hoc hearings.