5 p.m., Greenwood Public Library
With one hour of voting left, a growing line extended out of the polling place and down the library hallway.
Turnout had been that way most of the day, said Chris Sifers, poll inspector.
“It’s been like this. We’ve been pretty busy,” he said.
By 4 p.m., about 1,000 people had come to cast their ballots. One hour later, the tally was at 1,181 voters.
With the Greenwood Public Library being located in one of the county’s most populous areas, and with a host of contested races, including for U.S. President and Indiana governor, it made sense the polling place had been so packed, Sifers said.
Thankfully the polling site had not experienced any serious problems with voting machines or voter registration – making the
Still, with people getting off work, poll workers were anticipating one final push before polls closed.
“It sure looks like it. The line keeps getting longer and longer,” Sifers said.
– Ryan Trares
3:45 p.m., Mt. Pleasant Christian Church
Poll workers burst into applause and cheers as Cade Putzek cast his ballot.
The White River Township resident had just voted for the first time, and as they’d done for around seven or eight other first-time voters.
“We always clap here for the first-time voters,” said Marie Smith, poll inspector for one of the sites.
Putzek gave a nod to the appreciative workers as he picked up his “I Voted” sticker. For him, leaving his mark on Tuesday’s primary election was a responsibility and a privilege.
“It’s part of being a U.S. citizen. A lot of people served in the military to make this possible,” he said.
Though the ballot contained several contested races, from national offices to state and local ones, one stood out to Putzek.
“U.S. President, that’s the biggest one,” he said.
– Ryan Trares
3:40 p.m., Johnson County
Not much has changed for the rest of the forecast for Election Day.
There continues to be an increased threat of severe thunderstorms this afternoon and evening, with the general timing of storms being from 3 to 10 p.m. The highest risk of severe weather is expected to be between 4 to 10 p.m., meteorologists with the National Weather Service in Indianapolis said.
In a briefing just before 3 p.m., the agency said there is an increased threat of tornadoes from 5 to 9 p.m., with strong tornadoes — twisters that could have a rating of EF-2 or higher — possible as supercells form. A Tornado Watch was issued for Johnson County earlier Tuesday afternoon, lasting until 9 p.m., which is in line with the forecast.
Hail of 1 to 2.5 inches is possible this afternoon and evening, including “giant hail” — hail greater than 2 inches. Gusts of 60 to 70 mph and localized flooding are also possible, according to the weather service.
The greatest chance for precipitation locally is around 5 p.m., though it can be expected to be possible through at least midnight, forecasts show.
Residents should make sure they have multiple ways to get warnings if storms do occur.
As for voting, storms will likely impact turnout, causing voters to opt to not go to the polls. Polls remain open until 6 p.m.
– Noah Crenshaw
3:30 p.m., Mt. Pleasant Christian Church
Among the 25 voting machines inside the dual polling place, only a handful were being used by mid-afternoon.
The two vote centers at Mt. Pleasant had a steady stream of voters throughout the day, but never any kind of rush or backup requiring people to wait for a voting machine.
Combined, the two voting centers had welcomed about 600 people to cast their ballots.
“It’s starting to pick up, but I’d say it’s down from where a typical presidential primary would be,” said Andy Fisher, a poll inspector for one of the polling places. “There have been hardly any lines.”
Marie Smith, the location’s other poll inspector, agreed that it seemed like turnout was down compared to previous presidential election primaries she had worked.
“Usually on a presidential primary, it’s even busier,” she said.
To accentuate the sense of calm at the polling site, both Smith and Fisher said they’d only encountered minor problems with the voting machines.
Even more surprising was the fact Smith had not needed to contact the Johnson County Voter Registration to help voters navigate a problem with their registration.
“I’m usually on the phone because people moved and they’re still listed in Marion County, or their name is not in the poll book. Usually, there’s a lot of that, and there have been zero times,” she said.
Still, everyone at the polling sites knew that traffic could pick up any time, particularly as people got off work. And officials were keeping an eye on the weather, watching in case of severe storms in the area.
“They called us and told us to take cover if we hear the sirens,” Smith said.
– Ryan Trares
2:31 p.m., Johnson County
The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Watch for Johnson County.
The watch will be in effect through 9 p.m. Tuesday. More information about the watch can be found here.
Voting continues until 6 p.m.
– Noah Crenshaw
2:10 p.m., Johnson County
Johnson County remains under an enhanced risk for severe weather today, as storms are expected to fire up later this afternoon.
There is an increased threat of severe thunderstorms this afternoon and evening, with the general timing of storms being from 3 to 10 p.m. The highest risk of severe weather is expected to be between 4 to 10 p.m., meteorologists with the National Weather Service said in a briefing just before noon.
There is an increased threat of tornadoes from 4 to 9 p.m., with strong tornadoes — twisters that could have a rating of EF-2 or higher — possible as supercells form, the weather service says.
Hail of 1 to 2.5 inches is possible this afternoon and evening, including “giant hail” — hail greater than 2 inches. Gusts of 60 to 70 mph and localized flooding are also possible, according to the weather service.
Precipitation could potentially start falling as soon as now in the county, but the greatest chance of precipitation is after 4 p.m., the weather service says.
The weather service expects to release another update sometime between 3 and 5 p.m. Severe weather is also possible tomorrow.
If severe storms occur, they will likely impact turnout, causing voters to opt to not go to the polls.
– Noah Crenshaw
1:54 p.m., Scott Hall, Johnson County Fairgrounds, Franklin
When Robert Stockton came to vote at the Johnson County Fairgrounds, he was thinking that America needs to change with a new president and a fresh start in Johnson County.
“I’ve been here for almost 15, 16 years, living in Johnson County,” Stockton said. “This is the same thing over almost every year, every four years, every eight years. It needs to change.”
He said he wants stronger leadership and tougher laws for areas like the crime rate and crimes against animals. Stockton was an animal control officer in the county prior to working in another county.
Stockton said he votes in every election.
“(I show up) because one vote does count,” Stockton said. “A lot of people go around saying, ‘Well, my vote won’t count.’ Yeah, it does.”
– Elissa Maudlin
1:37 p.m., Scott Hall, Johnson County Fairgrounds, Franklin
Turnout for Scott Hall at the Johnson County Fairgrounds has been a little disappointing, Inspector Angie Turnmire said. A small line formed at the building’s entrance for the first time at about 1:30 p.m.
For most of the day, turnout has been steady with one or two voters at a time, Turnmire said.
“We’ve been here for several elections, but people still don’t know that Scott Hall is one of the biggest places to be able to vote,” she said.
Scott Hall was prepped with 20 voting booths that were all wheelchair accessible. There were also two different voting centers across the large building.
Turnmire said she has worked the polls for approximately eight years because “If I don’t do it, who will?” She also said she wants to be a good role model for her children and show them what it takes to keep democracy going.
– Elissa Maudlin
12:30 p.m., John R. Drybread Community Center, Edinburgh
David Garrigus was the 100th person to vote at John R Drybread Community Center in Edinburgh a little after noon.
This is Garrigus’ third time voting in his life, he said. Garrigus was never interested in politics or voting up until a few years ago. As he aged, he felt he should be involved.
He hopes to vote for “the right people to improve everything,” he said.
Garrigus was particularly interested in the governor’s race. Being on disability, decisions with Family and Social Services Administration and mental health play a role in his day-to-day life, he said.
Garrigus felt it was important to vote for candidates whose policies stood out to him.
“The people have the right to vote and the right to speak their mind and get some people in there that can make changes,” Garrigus said.
– Jayden Kennett
12:17 p.m., Clark Pleasant Library, Whiteland
Damian Katt, an election inspector, has worked as a poll worker for the last 10 to 12 years alongside his wife.
“We both feel like it’s a long but rewarding day,” Katt said. “At the end of the day, we just feel like we’re able to help people and do our civic duty in the meantime.”
Katt said turnout at the Whiteland voting center has been steady.
Kevin Gaughan, an election judge, said when voting opened at 6 a.m., there weren’t a lot of people in line but turnout became steady around 7 a.m.
A little before noon, turnout started to pick up, Katt said.
“I think what we heard in training was that it might be a slower or lower turnout this year,” Katt said. “However, I think for this location, we’re actually doing pretty well. This is a great location for voting, for having a polling site.”
– Elissa Maudlin
12 p.m., Clark Pleasant Library, Whiteland
At approximately 12 p.m., Johnson County Council at-large candidate Ron Bates stood outside a Whiteland voting center with his candidate sign. He said he has been there since 6 a.m.
“Basically, I am encouraging folks, No. 1, to vote,” Bates said. “… No. 2, I’m introducing myself to them. No. 3, I’m telling them what office I’m running for and No. 4, I’m thanking them for voting.”
He said he has had good conversations with voters, and some people said they voted for him because he was the only candidate outside of the polling center.
Bates said he has been voting since 1972 and he said there has been a whole spread of generations voting, from 18-year-olds to those voting since 1962.
– Elissa Maudlin
11:15 a.m., Trafalgar Library
A little over 300 people have voted in Trafalgar as of 10:45 a.m. this morning. About 8 people were lined up at the door at 6 a.m. to cast their votes, said Bryan Gregg, election inspector.
The turnout has been “phenomenal,” Gregg said.
Support staff has been helpful and previous training paid off, he said. There have been no issues and people have been steadily coming and going.
With a 10-month-old in his arms, Ted Butler cast his vote for his future and his son’s, he said. Being a new father has changed his perspective on things, he said.
There’s no point in raising issues with the government if you don’t participate in the voting process, Butler said.
He has been voting for over a decade and he was interested in the races all the way down to the local level.
“I believe everything starts grassroots down here in Trafalgar,” Butler said. “I think that’s where a lot of things change.”
Lisa Rose cast her vote this morning because she felt it was her “civil duty” to participate.
Rose votes in every election, but was particularly interested in voting for Congress and presidential candidates, she said.
It’s a citizen’s responsibility to bring in leaders they feel represent them, Rose said.
“We can see how our country is going, we need to have a voice and help take control of that,” Rose said.
– Jayden Kennett
9:50 a.m., Bargersville Town Hall
Bargersville Town Hall has had a steady stream of voters trickling in and out of this morning.
At 9:30 a.m., 166 people had cast their vote in the primary election, said Carol Imel, election inspector.
“It’s been very steady and we love it,” Imel said. “We’re keeping busy, but we’d love the great voter turnout here in Bargersville.”
Around seven people were waiting outside the doors when voting opened at 6 a.m. and it’s been steady since, Imel said.
Other people sat outside to engage undecided voters. Representatives for Rod Bray, Jamison Carrier, James Copp and Jay Hart sat in lawn chairs across from Bargersville Town Hall with signs and shirts.
Tori Schlageter said they were there to engage voters who may be coming in for one race, but undecided in another.
David Maurer said it’s a “privilege” to sit outside and engage with voters.
“So many countries are not allowed to do this and to be able to come in, even though it’s slow, it’s a privilege to be here,” Maurer said.
– Jayden Kennett
9:30 a.m., Mt. Pleasant Christian Church, Greenwood
One election inspector at Mt. Pleasant Christian Church has decades of experience, while another is embarking on the civic service for the first time.
Inspector Marie Smith has been a poll worker for 30 years in several states, including Indiana.
“I’ve always signed up to work the polls,” Smith said.
She decided to become a poll worker because it’s her civic duty.
“I just want to help my community, to make things work in the community,” Smith said.
Plus, it’s interesting to see how excited people are to vote, she said.
Inspector Andy Fisher, who is also a major at the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, is working the polls for the first time. He became a poll worker because he felt “it’s a good thing to do,” he said.
“It’s our right to vote and it’s something to serve the community,” Fisher said.
Poll workers help voters exercise their constitutional rights, he said.
“It’s just fun. It’s something neat,” Fisher said.
– Noah Crenshaw
9:08 a.m., Mt. Pleasant Christian Church, Greenwood
With rain outside, voters have been steadily coming into Mt. Pleasant Christian Church.
The church is the site of two vote centers. The center closest to the building’s entrance has seen at least 140 voters so far, said Marie Smith, election inspector.
The other center has seen about 50 voters, said Andy Fisher, election inspector. Poll workers have been directing voters to both centers to make sure no one waits in line.
Turnout so far has been a little slow but steady. Primary elections typically are slower than the general election, Smith said.
Fisher echoed this at the other vote center, adding that early voting had been slow too.
Smith has been surprised at the size of some voters’ ballots. Some have been five pages, so poll workers have to direct voters to make sure they scroll through every page, she said.
Smith expects it to continue to be steady throughout the day. Fisher expects it to pick up this afternoon but acknowledged that people are concerned a little bit about the rain.
– Noah Crenshaw
8:10 a.m., White River Library Branch, Greenwood
The process may seem tedious.
A voter walks in and a poll clerk directs them down to their machine. They ask the voter for their identification card, and they oblige, putting the card into a holder for a tablet to scan. The clerk verifies the person’s information, asks them what ballot they want and the voter signs to verify.
Then the clerk asks for another poll worker, and that person directs a voter to a machine and sets it up for them to vote.
For poll clerk Jeannine Myers, it’s a familiar sight.
Myers, who is Greenwood’s elected clerk, has been a poll worker since she was in her twenties. She continues to do it for a simple reason: if she doesn’t do it, who will? she said.
“I do it to give the voters opportunity to vote,” Myers said. “I’ve always felt like it’s been done fairly and honest. and I also like seeing the people.”
The only thing that’s been surprising so far for Myers is that voters don’t know what ballot they want to pull: Democrat or Republican. In some cases, it’s like they hesitate, she said.
Myers hopes the lines continue to be steady, especially because it makes the day go faster, she said.
– Noah Crenshaw
7:45 a.m., White River Library Branch, Greenwood
In the 90 minutes since polls opened, 93 voters have walked through the doors of the White River branch of the Johnson County Public Library.
There was a line at the door before polls opened at 6 a.m. It has been steady since then, said Maranda Maxie, poll inspector.
Things have gone smoothly too, though there were some glitches, which are to be expected, Maxie said.
“But that’s just technology,” she said.
– Noah Crenshaw
7:00 a.m., Johnson County
Storms, some severe, are in the forecast for Johnson County this Election Day.
The county is under an enhanced risk for severe weather today. The first wave of storms will pass through between 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. and is expected to be strong but “mostly sub-severe,” according to the National Weather Service in Indianapolis.
Meteorologists are more concerned about the second wave, which is expected to be more severe. This wave is expected to begin around 3 or 4 p.m. and continue through 10 p.m., the weather service says.
The highest risk is expected to be between 6 to 10 p.m., meteorologists say. There is an increased threat of tornadoes during this timeframe, with strong tornadoes — twisters that could have a rating of EF-2 or higher — possible as supercells form this evening.
Hail of 1 to 2.5 inches is possible this afternoon and evening, as are gusts of 60 to 70 mph. Localized flooding is also possible, according to the weather service.
– Noah Crenshaw
6:45 a.m., Greenwood Public Library
Among the 30 or so voters to pass through the doors of the Greenwood Public Library this morning was Chad Shaffer, a member of the Greenwood school board.
Shaffer, who is not up for election this year, has been voting for about 25 years — since he turned 18. He decided to come out and vote today because there is a lot to vote for today.
“There’s a lot of things that our country is having to manage — a lot of challenges that have cropped up the last few years — and I think it’s important for us to use or to use this avenue to make our voices heard,” Shaffer said.
He comes out to vote in every election, though he added that the governor’s race was of particular interest to him.
“With the governor’s race, there’s a new path forward for Indiana and I want to be a part of that,” Shaffer said.
It’s important to vote in the U.S. because Americans have freedoms that citizens in other countries do not. Those citizens do not have as much influence as voters in America do, he said.
“It’d be quite a shame for us to have that freedom and not be able to use it,” Shaffer said.
– Noah Crenshaw
6:25 a.m., Greenwood Public Library
Just before the polls opened on a foggy Tuesday morning, 10 people were waiting in line to vote at the Greenwood Public Library.
By 6:40 a.m., at least 38 people had cast ballots in the primary at the vote center — a pace of about one voter a minute. This is a better turnout than poll inspector Chris Sifers expected, he said.
“It’s better than what we expected because I’ve been here for the last two weeks [for early voting] and it’s been really slow,” Sifers said.
Sifers believes people tend not to appreciate the primaries in Johnson County because there typically are many unopposed offices, making it a general election by default, he said.
“The primary is really the election here because you have so many people running in the primary and then when the main election gets here, the choice is already made. There’s so many unopposed offices,” Sifers said. “So, the primary is very important in Johnson County.”
He hopes the steady flow of voters will continue through the day, he said.
– Noah Crenshaw
