TERRE HAUTE —
It’s an historic election day today in Vermillion County.
For the first time in most peoples’ memories, the Republican Party is managing the county’s polling places for today’s election – a result of winning more votes in the 2010 Indiana Secretary of State election within the county.
And that’s not the only history-making element of today’s balloting. Vermillion County is also becoming probably the first county in Indiana to have a high school student poll worker stationed at every polling site.
“As far as I know, it’s unprecedented,” said Dale Simmons, co-general counsel at the Indiana Election Division in Indianapolis.
The U.S. Help America Vote Act of 2002 encouraged states to use 16- and 17-year-old high school students as election day poll workers. The program, called Election Day Live, is still not very widely used in Indiana.
However, it could help Hoosier counties deal with an emerging national crisis in staffing polling sites.
“We’re losing a generation of poll workers,” Simmons said. “This is just a way to get some young people involved.”
Republicans and Democrats always have worked the polling sites in Vermillion County. But, because they are managing the sites this year, Republicans need one extra worker at each place. That means finding 17 additional poll workers, Yocum said.
“Student workers helped fill the void,” said Tim Yocum, chairman of the Vermillion County Republican Party. “It has worked out just right.”
While the Vermillion County GOP launched Election Day Live in the county, North and South Vermillion High Schools did the work of selecting the students, Yocum said.
“We had no role in the decisions,” Yocum said, adding the students must have at least a B average and were not chosen on partisan grounds. “The schools know their students,” he said.
This is about the fourth year Vermillion County’s GOP has placed student workers at the polling sites. Brittani Wright, a senior at South Vermillion, was a high school poll worker last year and volunteered again this year as an 18-year-old. She’ll be an inspector – essentially giving her responsibility for her polling place.
“I just kind of wanted to prove that students are just as capable of doing the important roles,” Wright said Monday, adding that she plans to study law and perhaps someday enter politics. She served as a polling place sheriff last year out of a desire to see how things work on election day, she said.
“It was definitely a positive experience for me,” Wright said. “I really had no idea how official voting was done.”
Florinda Pruitt, Vermillion County clerk, said the more-than 17 high school-age poll workers did fine in their training classes. In fact, Pruitt believes the students may have an easier time adapting to the county’s new electronic voting machines than some of the older polling place workers.
“We think it’s a very valuable educational experience for our students,” said Barbara Payton, principal of South Vermillion. “It’s good for our students to volunteer in our community and be seen in a positive way in the community … I’m just excited about having our students involved in the process.”
Reporter Arthur Foulkes can be reached at (812) 231-4232 or arthur.foulkes@tribstar.com.
What to know
• The 2012 Indiana Primary Election is today, May 8. Polls open at 6 a.m. and close at 6 p.m.
• Hoosier voters can ask for either a Democrat Party ballot or a Republican Party ballot.
• Indiana law requires voters to show a photo ID.
• BMV license branches will be open 6 a.m.-6 p.m. today to issue state ID cards and driver’s licenses for use when voting.
Resources
• Vigo County Democrat and Republican ballots can be viewed online at www.vigocounty.in.gov.
• The Vigo County Clerk’s office can be reached at (812) 462-3235.
• More information is available at www.indianavoters.com and www.in.gov/sos/elections.
Election 2012
Vermillion polls to receive an infusion of youth
- Election 2012
-
-
Indiana House leader pledges no abuse of super-majority power
Indiana House Speaker Brian Bosma promised not to exploit the super power of the Republicans’ new super-majority status in the Statehouse, saying he hopes Democrats will be “partners” in passing legislation to benefit Hoosiers.
-
Vigo ballots saw lengthy list of presidential candidates
While most voters on Tuesday knew the names of Democrat President Barack Obama and Republican challenger Mitt Romney, there was a long list of other presidential candidates on the Indiana ballot.
-
Pence promises to go forward with education overhaul, tax cut pledge
Indiana Gov.-elect Mike Pence said he’ll make job creation “job one” when he takes office in January and promised to abide by his campaign’s “Roadmap for Indiana” plan, which includes support for education reforms that voters seemed to reject and a tax cut that legislative leaders oppose.
-
Anderson tops Mason: GOP candidate unseats incumbent Dem Commissioner Paul Mason
Republican Brad Anderson pulled off the lone upset at the county level Tuesday, defeating long-time Democrat incumbent Paul Mason for the District 3 seat for Vigo County Commissioner.
-
Clay County election 2012
A massive turnout by Clay County voters had general election participation nearing 60 percent by the final unofficial count.
-
Parke County election 2012
A majority of Parke County voters selected Mitt Romney as their president by a vote of 4,228 to President Barack Obama’s 2,106 votes, while the governor’s race went to Mike Pence with 3,366 votes to John Gregg’s 2,818 votes.
-
Vigo sees strong voter turnout for presidential election
Vigo County saw a strong voter turnout — 52.5 percent — in Tuesday’s 2012 general election, but that total fell short of the nearly 56 percent voter turnout in the presidential election four years ago.
-
Vermillion County election 2012
Voter turnout in Vermillion County Tuesday was 59 percent Tuesday as more than 6,750 voters cast ballots in 17 precincts.
-
Obama wins re-election
President Barack Obama won re-election Tuesday night despite a fierce challenge from Republican Mitt Romney as well as the weak economy and high unemployment that encumbered his first term and crimped the middle class dreams of millions.
-
Incumbent Anderson retains seat
Democratic incumbent Judith Anderson won a fourth term for Vigo County Commissioner District 2 in a race that was close with a first-time challenging candidate.
-
Congressman Bucshon retains seat in House
Indiana Congressman Larry Bucshon, a Republican, held off a tough election challenge to retain his 8th District U.S. House seat.
-
Dems sweep Council At-Large seats
Democrats swept all three Vigo County Council At-Large seats Tuesday, returning two incumbents plus adding a newcomer to the body.
-
Crockett wins to take over Vigo clerk’s office
In the Vigo County clerk’s race, Democrat Dave Crockett defeated Republican Mike Morris by a vote of 21,025 to 16,857.
-
Challenger Ritz knocks off Bennett in state superintendent race
Democrat challenger Glenda Ritz pulled off a stunning upset Tuesday night, beating incumbent Republican Tony Bennett in the unexpectedly tight race for Indiana superintendent of public instruction.
-
Donnelly gives Democrats Indiana Senate victory
Democrat Joe Donnelly triumphed Tuesday in one of the nation’s most tumultuous Senate races, capitalizing on fallout over his tea party-backed opponent’s comment that a pregnancy resulting from rape is “something God intended” to capture a seat that just a year ago looked to be a lock for Republican U.S. Sen. Richard Lugar.
-
Heaton wins re-election in Indiana House District 46
In House District 46, incumbent Republican Bob Heaton won re-election to a second term, defeating Democrat James Mann II, who ran for elected office for the first time.
-
Longtime Rep. Borders loses re-election bid
Indiana State Rep. Bruce Borders, a long-time Republican representative from Greene County, apparently lost his re-election bid Tuesday by a razor-thin margin to Democrat Rep. Kreg Battles, also a member of the Indiana House.
-
Phone system glitch slows vote counting in Vigo Courthouse
A phone system problem at the Vigo County Courthouse has slowed down vote counting tonight.
-
SLIDESHOW: General Election 2012
Photos by Tribune-Star photographers Bob Poynter, Joe Garza and Jim Avelis. Check back for more photos.
-
Vigo County seeing strong voter turnout
Voter turnout appears strong in Vigo County as election 2012 reaches its climax.
-
Indiana voters can buy alcohol after voting this year
This Election Day marks the first presidential election year in several decades where Indiana voters can buy alcohol after casting their votes.
-
What Indiana voters have to say about 2012 races
Across Indiana, thousands of people are casting votes for dozens of races, including the White House, Senate, Congress and the General Assembly. Here’s what they’re saying about why they cast their votes:
-
Voting machine problems delay some Indiana voters
Voting machine problems have caused delays and long lines in Hamilton County, a heavily populated Indianapolis suburb that’s a Republican stronghold.
-
Indiana race could be showdown over school changes
The campaign to lead Indiana’s education department is being watched as a referendum on school policies pushed by conservatives across the country.
-
Congressional, State Representative debates set for October
The League of Women Voters of Knox County (Vincennes) will host two live televised debates in Vincennes in October.
The first debate will be Oct. 11 at 8 p.m. EDT between the candidates for Indiana House of Representatives, District 45, Rep. Kreg Battles and Rep. Bruce Borders.
The second debate will be Oct. 24 at 8 p.m. featuring the candidates for the U.S. House of Representatives in the 8th District, Congressman Larry Bucshon, Dave Crooks, and Bart Gadau. This Congressional debate will be co-hosted by the League of Women Voters of Vigo County (Terre Haute). -
AG candidate spells out concerns
Indiana’s sex offender registry, consumer protection and protecting children from abuse while improving the state’s Child Protective Services agency are among the top issues for Indianapolis attorney Kay Fleming, Democatic candidate for Indiana Attorney General.
-
Dates set for Indiana Senate, governor debates
Two debates have been scheduled for next month between the candidates for Indiana’s U.S. Senate election, although organizers are still calling them tentative as final details are worked out.
-
Lieutenant governor candidates debate farm issues today
The three candidates for Indiana's lieutenant governor are meeting to debate farm issues.
-
Candidates agree to three gubernatorial debates
Indiana’s three gubernatorial candidates have committed to three televised debates this fall through the Indiana Debate Commission.
Candidates include Democrat John Gregg, Republican Mike Pence and Libertarian Rupert Boneham. -
Gregg introduces State Sen. Vi Simpson as choice for lieutenant governor
Indiana Democratic gubernatorial candidate John Gregg this afternoon introduced State Sen. Vi Simpson, D-Ellettsville, as his running mate for the 2012 election.
- More Election 2012 Headlines
-
Raw: Massive Funnel Clouds in Oklahoma
Raw: Widespread Destruction in Moore, Okla.
Raw: Rescue Workers Search Oklahoma School
Raw: Aerials Show Path of Oklahoma Destruction
Raw: Aftermath of Massive Tornado in Oklahoma
Active Search for Utah Missing Mom Ends
Raw: Tornado on the Ground in Oklahoma
Huge Tornado Kills Dozens Near Oklahoma City
Voters Could Elect LA's First Female Mayor
Raw: Japan's WWII Atrocities Under Fire in Seoul
Raw: Rescuers Pull Tornado Survivors to Safety
Raw: Tearful Reunion After Okla. Tornado
Raw: Aussie Zoo Shows Off White Rhino Calf
Obama Pledges Urgent Aid for Tornado Victims
Raw: Crews Search for Survivors of Okla. Tornado
AP Photograher: 'It Was a Miracle' They Got Out
Oklahoma Gov: 'Hearts Are Broken' After Tornado
Raw: Walking in a Flattened Okla. Neighborhood
OKC Hospital Describes Treating Tornado Wounded
Horse Saved From Slaughter, Goes on to Win Big
VIRAL: Baby makes epic soccer goal
Olivia Munn Flaunts Her Bikini Bod
Britney Spears Under Fire Once Again For Being A Bad Mom
The Hangover Baby All Grown Up
Arias Tells Jury What She'd Do if She Gets Life
The all-new Xbox One
RAW: Massive tornado strikes Oklahoma
Nidal Hasan paid $278K while awaiting trial
VIDEO: Teacher reunites mother and son after tornado levels elementary school in Oklahoma City
Okla. tornado survivor finds dog buried alive under rubble
Jennifer Lawrence Gets Naked and Painted Blue as X-Men's Mystique
Pickler's Dance Moves Cause A Stir
Obama to tornado survivors: The country stands beside you
Reporter Cries Over Devastation
Sneak Peek: 'Modern Family' Says Good Bye
Trailer: 'The Last Stand' Available on Blu-ray Disc, DVD, Digital Download
IWitness Look at Moore, OK Tornado
RAW: Moore, OK tornado touches down near school
Robert Pattinson Moves Out
RAW: Russian dash cam catches car 20 feet in the air
