The Hamilton County Election Board will reconsider a proposal to replace traditional precinct-based voting with countywide Vote Centers beginning with the 2027 municipal elections.
The board will hold a public meeting and vote at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 29, in the Commissioners Courtroom at the Hamilton County Judicial Center in Noblesville. Residents will have an opportunity to comment before the vote.
Under the current system, voters must cast their Election Day ballots at their assigned precincts. The Vote Center model would allow any registered Hamilton County voter to cast a ballot at any designated Vote Center in the county.
Hamilton County currently operates 102 precinct polling locations. The proposal calls for 57 Vote Centers—more than twice the 27 locations required under state law based on the county’s registered voter population.
If the plan is approved, election officials would introduce Vote Centers during the lower-turnout 2027 municipal elections. That would give the county time to evaluate and adjust the system before the 2028 presidential election.
Election Board member Ray Adler, who voted against the proposal last year, said he now intends to support it. Adler cited Allen County’s implementation of Vote Centers and renewed partnerships between the Hamilton County Election Office and local school districts.
Several districts had previously stopped allowing schools to serve as polling places because of security concerns. According to the county, every local school district has now agreed to host Vote Center locations.
Hamilton County Clerk Kathy Kreag Williams authored Indiana’s original Vote Center legislation while serving in the Indiana House of Representatives. She said the system is intended to make voting more convenient while helping election operations keep pace with Hamilton County’s population growth.
“One of the biggest reasons this proposal works is because our local school districts have stepped up as partners once again,” Williams said. “By opening their buildings as Vote Centers, they’re helping ensure voters across Hamilton County have a convenient place to cast their ballot close to home. We’re incredibly grateful for their willingness to work with us to make voting more accessible.”
Residents who cannot attend the meeting may email comments to kathy.williams@hamiltoncounty.in.gov. The county is also accepting responses to an online survey before Sept. 25.