Hamilton County voters will not see election day voting centers in 2026 following a decision Thursday afternoon by the county’s Election Board.

A unanimous vote was required to adopt the system, but the three-member board split 2–1. Republican County Clerk Kathy Williams and Democratic appointee Greg Purvis supported the proposal, while Republican representative Raymond Adler voted against it. By contrast, county commissioners and council members have generally expressed support for voting centers.

Voting centers would have allowed residents to cast ballots at any election day location, rather than being restricted to their assigned precinct. Early voting in Hamilton County already allows voters to use any location.

After the vote, Williams said she was “disappointed” with the outcome. She noted the 2026 election will proceed under the same precinct-based model and added that implementing a new system by 2028 would be unlikely, given the larger turnout expected in a presidential election year.

Public comment on the proposal drew five speakers, most of whom favored the change. Hamilton County Democratic Chair Josh Lowry endorsed the plan, suggesting a minor language change. The Hamilton County League of Women Voters also voiced support.

Purvis introduced an amendment requiring minimum staffing and equipment levels for each voting center, which the board approved. However, Adler ultimately voted against the full proposal, blocking adoption of the voting center model.

Currently, 67 of Indiana’s 92 counties use voting centers.