By CHRIS MORRIS
Chris.Morris@newsandtribune.com
Tue, May 13 2008
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Many primary elections pass without much notice. Some of the big races are uncontested, and voters usually are more interested in the November general election than the primary.
But that is not the case this year for many reasons, according the Floyd County Clerk Linda Moeller. Unlike past Indiana primaries, there is renewed interest in the presidential race between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. Both Democratic Party candidates are fighting for Indiana’s 72 delegates with the nomination still up in there air. That, Moeller said, has attracted a lot of new, young voters.
“People have been talking about it more and more,” Moeller said of the presidential race.
Floyd County Democrat voters also will elect a nominee for a new Superior Court, as well as other contested races including County Council.
Both Democrat and Republican voters will elect three school board members.
“We have had a lot of people come in to register and for many of them, this is their first time,” Moeller said. “Some may be waiting, but we want them to know they can’t come in a week before the election and register to vote.”
Registration applications must be received in the clerk’s office by the close of business April 7. This election is for all registered voters in Floyd County.
Voters can check their registration status as well as find the location of their polling place by visiting www.IndianaVoters.com. Registration forms and other information are available on the Floyd County Clerk’s Web site, www.floydcounty.in.gov/resident/voting.htm
This also will be the first election where precincts have either changed locations or numbers. The changes affect 13,000 voters, Moeller said. Those voters have been contacted by mail, but also can go on the Web site to check their status.
Moeller said she anticipates a large turnout. There are 46,000 registered voters in Floyd County and she recently ordered 46,000 primary ballots.
“I ordered more ballots than I have ever ordered,” she said.
Voters will be required to present a photo identification. The ID must display the voter’s name, display the voter’s photo, contain an expiration date and be issued by the State of Indiana or the U.S. government. In most cases, an Indiana driver’s license, Indiana photo ID card, U.S. passport or military ID will suffice.
Those who would like to work at the polls on Election Day as a Democrat should call Anthony B. Toran at 502-489-1643, or as a Republican, call Melanie Adams at 812-944-3873.
Inspectors are paid $90 plus $10 for meals; judges and clerks are paid $80 plus $10 for meals. Training for working at the polls is provided and required for an inspector’s position.
For information about the election, call the clerk’s office at 812-948-5419.
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