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July 15, 2012

Valley officials say they’re diligent in keeping voter records

Brian Boyce The Tribune-Star

TERRE HAUTE — Keeping voter registration records current requires effort, but area officials say that’s what they do.

In a lawsuit filed by Judicial Watch, Inc. against Indiana’s Secretary of State and election commission, the organization contends a number of Hoosier counties report abnormally high voter registration rolls. Among those listed are Clay and Parke counties.

Vickie Wheeler, Clay County Clerk, said Thursday afternoon she was unaware of the lawsuit, but expressed confidence in the numbers maintained by her office.

“Actually, we’re pretty well up to date,” she said, adding her office will mail out cards next year as part of the ongoing effort to determine whether citizens still reside in the district.

According to the State of Indiana’s election division, Clay County reported a total of 18,851 registered voters for the May 2012 primary election. Of the county’s population recorded in the 2010 census, 6,316 of the 26,888 residents were under the age of 18, meaning 20,572 are eligible voters. Of that amount, voter participation in May was 4,885, or 26 percent.

Parke County reported 12,304 registered voters out of a population with 13,754 residents over the age of 18. Of that number, 3,329 participated at the polls in May for 27 percent.

Wheeler said her office takes names off the roles upon official notification of their death, such as from the department of health, or once they’re move is confirmed. Meanwhile, the office sends out mailers to determine whether an address is still occupied by residents, she said.

“It’s going to cost quite a bit,” she said of the process, noting they perform it regularly nonetheless.

And while it’s certainly possible that some names remain on the rolls despite being inactive, deceased or since moved, the overall numbers tabbed up are accurate, she said.

“Probably not that much to make a difference,” she said.

Vada Long, director of the Vigo County voter registration office, said given the ease of voter registration now, it’s not impossible to have upwards of 91 percent voter registration, such as is the case in Clay County.

“It’s a possibility, especially now with the motor-voter law,” she said, referencing citizens’ ability to register while renewing their drivers license. Also, counties with relatively low migration and long-term residents might lend themselves to a high percentage of registered voters, whether those individuals actually vote or not.

As of Friday afternoon, Vigo County had 74,280 registered voters out of an adult population tagged by the 2010 census at 85,071, making for about 87 percent. Numbers in Vigo County are more fluid given the number of university students who migrate in and out between elections, she said.

“We update our rolls every August,” she said, adding her office also runs an annual report to tally inactive voters. After five years on the inactive list, a voter can be taken off the roles, she said, noting they’ll be brought back on upon request given proof they still reside in the county.

As of Friday, 689 Vigo County voters were on the “inactive” list, she said.

“It is time consuming,” she said of the process. “We have two full-time people here at Vigo County doing this.”

Brian Boyce can be reached at 812-231-4253 or brian.boyce@tribstar.com.

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