UPDATE: The Lake County Board of Elections and Registration has just approved a pivotal plan for precinct consolidations aimed at resolving significant voter splits. This urgent action comes in response to a directive from Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales, who mandated that precincts with fewer than 600 active voters be consolidated following the 2020 presidential election.
During a highly charged meeting on July 30, 2023, the board unanimously voted to consolidate 29 precincts, while an additional 5 precincts were approved in a contentious 3-2 vote. The vote highlights the deep divisions within the board, with party lines influencing decisions. The implications of these changes are significant for voters across Lake County.
Morales’s letter, sent earlier this month, emphasized compliance with Indiana law, urging the board to submit a consolidation plan that garners unanimous approval. In the absence of such agreement, individual board members could propose plans independently. This procedural nuance is pivotal as it underscores the challenges of reaching consensus within the board.
Board Director Michelle Fajman confirmed that two reports for precinct consolidation were submitted to the state: one endorsed by the board and another submitted by Republican assistant director Jessica Messler, who clarified that both sides traditionally submit reports to ensure transparency and accountability.
“It was not a Democrat plan; it was a board looking at specific precincts that were under 600,” Fajman stated, emphasizing the urgency of the matter.
The Secretary of State’s revisions to the precincts have sparked controversy, as they created a series of splits that could complicate voting processes. For instance, the merging of certain precincts has resulted in complicated splits affecting county council and city council boundaries, among others. Fajman expressed concern about the confusion these splits could create for voters and candidates alike.
Key changes made by the Secretary of State include:
- Merging Gary 5-13 with Gary 5-16, resulting in a county council split.
- Merging West Creek Township 01 with West Creek Township 02, resulting in a town boundary split.
- Merging East Chicago 02 and East Chicago 24, creating a city council and school board split.
- Several other merges that resulted in multiple splits affecting local governance.
As the board convened on October 21, 2023, they voted 3-2 to seek corrections to the changes imposed by the Secretary of State. This move directs the office to revert to the original precinct consolidations approved on July 30.
Now, the proposed consolidations are under review by the election division. If approved, notifications will be sent out to affected voters. If not, a hearing will be held to address the discrepancies and ensure compliance with electoral laws.
The stakes are high as these decisions affect the voting experience for countless residents, especially with the upcoming elections on the horizon. The urgency of the situation is palpable as officials work to rectify the issues and foster a clearer electoral process for Lake County voters.
Stay tuned for further updates as this developing story unfolds, impacting the future of voting in Lake County.
