LaPorte County Election Board reports 15.5% primary turnout, flags aging machines and seeks counsel funds to collect fines

LaPorte County’s Election Board on May 15 reviewed primary-election operations, reported low turnout and approved a plan to seek funding to retain outside counsel to pursue delinquent campaign-finance fines.

Heather Stevens told the board that 12,168 people voted in the 2026 primary, equal to 15.5% of registered voters in LaPorte County. Stevens praised poll workers and noted an average check-in wait time of about 39 seconds, while flagging a few machine and poll-pad issues that were promptly resolved.

“That is 15.5% of our registered voters. That is sad,” Stevens said, adding that the board will continue outreach and education about primary voting. The board also scheduled an after-action meeting for poll workers to collect feedback on problems encountered on election day.

During new-business discussion, the board reviewed outstanding delinquent campaign-finance fines and reported fines received by the clerk’s office: a $1,000 fine for David Whitfield, $200 for Ronnie McCormick and $50 for Joseph Nelson. Board members agreed they likely must retain counsel to pursue collections and moved to ask the county council and commissioners for additional funds for legal representation; the motion carried.

Board members said the fines-collection effort could be funded, at least in part, from the board’s fines-and-fees fund so as to limit use of the county general fund. The clerk’s office will prepare documentation on available fund balances for the requested council/commissioners presentation.

What the board said about equipment and operations:
- Machine age and occasional port/connectivity failures were cited; members noted voting equipment is getting old and may require upgrades.
- Poll workers performed well overall; the board thanked staff for long hours and fast processing of voters.

Next steps: The clerk’s office will prepare a request for council and commissioners for legal retention funding and will convene the poll-worker after-action meeting to collect feedback and identify equipment needs for the November election.

Quotes:
- "We had 12,168 people vote in this primary. That is 15.5% of our registered voters.", Heather Stevens
- "If you collect cash, you have to have an envelope. ... I need to know who bought that ticket.", board member (reminding committees about filing rules)

The board adjourned after brief member comments praising poll workers and urging higher turnout.