Marion County board approves 183-site vote center plan for 2026 general election

The Marion County Election Board on Sept. 11 approved the county's Vote Center Plan for the 2026 general election, endorsing 183 Election Day locations and nine early-voting sites. Director of Elections Patrick Becker told the board the plan details security, accessibility, equipment and staffing and includes a site in every township.

"We have a 183 Election Day locations listed, as an attachment," Becker said, describing the plan's contents and the schedule for satellite voting. The plan lists satellite voting opening Saturday, Oct. 24 and running through Sunday, Nov. 1, with hours of 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

Board members asked about site readiness and safety after a previously reported incident at one potential site; Becker said staff reassured the site and that a nearby cluster of alternatives will be available where a site cannot be used. A board member raised whether equipment changes (iPads, ePulse) would require returning to the board; Becker replied staff do not anticipate further board action but will notify the board if changes become necessary.

Secretary Kate Sweeney Bell moved to approve the Vote Center Plan; the board approved the motion in a voice vote (vice chair: aye; madam clerk: aye; chair: aye). The board also confirmed its next public test is scheduled for Oct. 2 at the new Election Operations Center.

Why this matters: The adopted plan governs how and where Marion County voters will access ballot services during the 2026 general election, including early voting windows and the county's approach to security and accessibility.