Lake County Board Approves Urgent Precinct Consolidations

UPDATE: The Lake County Board of Elections and Registration has urgently approved a plan to consolidate precincts, addressing critical voting splits ahead of upcoming elections. In a decisive move on October 21, 2023, the board voted 3-2 to correct precinct consolidations mandated by the Secretary of State, Diego Morales, which had created significant splits affecting county councils and city governance.

Officials report that these changes are vital as Indiana law requires consolidation of precincts with fewer than 600 active voters. This mandate follows Morales’ directive issued in July, compelling the board to submit a unified consolidation plan to the state. During the July 30 meeting, the board unanimously approved 29 precinct consolidations, aiming to simplify the voting process and eliminate confusion for voters.

The recent adjustments from the Secretary of State introduced eight new splits, impacting various precincts, including notable changes in Gary, East Chicago, and Hammond. These alterations could complicate voting procedures, according to board members. “Splits can be very confusing. It’s confusing to voters. It’s confusing to candidates,” stated Director Michelle Fajman, emphasizing the need for clarity in the electoral process.

Despite the Secretary of State’s changes, the Lake County board has pushed back, advocating for their original plans. Fajman confirmed that two reports on precinct consolidations were submitted, one being the board’s approved plan and another submitted by Republican assistant director Jessica Messler, which documented discussions and decisions made during board meetings.

The urgency of this matter cannot be overstated as the election division prepares to review the proposals. If approved, notices will be sent out to inform the public of the new precinct configurations. Should the state reject the board’s proposals, a hearing will be held to address the discrepancies.

As the election nears, the Lake County Board is committed to ensuring that voters have a clear understanding of their precincts. The board’s actions reflect a proactive approach to maintaining voter accessibility and integrity leading up to the elections. All eyes are now on the state’s election division as they deliberate on these crucial changes.

Residents are encouraged to stay informed and share this developing story, as these decisions will directly affect how they engage with the electoral process in the coming months.