Many Wayne County voters are heading to polls today (Tuesday, June 2) to choose between local candidates for countywide offices, and in western Wayne County, the Western Wayne Schools referendum.
If a “yes” vote wins on the referendum, more funding would be provided from property taxes to local schools to offset a revenue loss from declining enrollment in recent years with fewer school-age children in the district. A “no” vote means residents of the school district would not pay a higher property tax.
Eight vote centers are open today throughout the county until 6 p.m., and local voters are reporting via social media that lines are minimal and many of those present are wearing masks.
Representatives of both parties who are working at polls are strongly encouraging voters to wear a mask to protect themselves and others from COVID-19. Poll workers are wearing masks or face shields and are doing thorough cleaning.
For those waiting to vote on their way home from work, they must be standing in line at 6 p.m. to be allowed to cast a ballot because doors close at 6 p.m. at all sites.
Traditionally, turnout has been higher at First English Lutheran Church and Kuhlman Center, with fewer voters at First Baptist Church in Richmond.
Wayne County’s vote center locations are:
KUHLMAN CENTER, 861 N. SALISBURY ROAD, RICHMOND
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, 1601 S. A ST., RICHMOND
CENTERVILLE CHRISTIAN CHURCH, 106 E. MAIN ST., CENTERVILLE
GOLAY CENTER, 1007 E. MAIN ST., CAMBRIDGE CITY
MT OLIVE BAPTIST CHURCH, 1108 N. H ST., RICHMOND
FIRST ENGLISH LUTHERAN CHURCH, 2727 NATIONAL ROAD E., RICHMOND
LIFESPRING CHURCH, 5600 U.S. 27 N.RICHMOND
NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH, 752 W. MAIN ST., HAGERSTOWN
Check on your absentee ballot
Those who cast absentee ballots via mail can confirm they were received at the courthouse through an online program.
To check, visit https://indianavoters.in.gov/.
Then click on “VISIT MY VOTER PORTAL” on the lower right corner.
Enter your name, birthday and county.
On the next screen, look at the lower left corner for ABSENTEE BALLOT INFORMATION.
You can see the date your absentee application was received and mailed, which type of ballot (Republican, Democrat or non-partisan for referendum issue) and the date your ballot was received by local election officials.
Election results
With a high number of absentee ballots being cast by mail this year, election results might be finished late Tuesday or into Wednesday. Ballots could not be counted until 6 a.m. today.
Find local election results when they are available at hmgccity.com and watch Whitewater Community Television’s live discussion tonight with local officials.
WCTV’s Eric Marsh will discuss the election with featured guests including Richmond Mayor Dave Snow and Wayne County Commissioner Ken Paust starting at 6 p.m.
WCTV partners for the show are Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce and Hometown Media Group (Western Wayne News and Nettle Creek Gazette).