Ford and Garcia Wilburn release statement on denial of vote centers in Hamilton County

State Senator J.D. Ford (D-Carmel) and State Rep. Victoria Garcia Wilburn (D-Fishers) issued the following joint statement after the Hamilton County Election Board failed to reach the unanimous vote needed to move to countywide vote centers for future elections:  

"We are disappointed with the result of yesterday's Hamilton County Election Board meeting, which struck down the possibility for Vote Centers in Hamilton County despite the measure being approved unanimously by both the Hamilton County Commissioners and County Council and receiving widespread public support. 

"Hamilton County families are busy people. From driving kids to soccer or band practice to commuting to work, it can be difficult for families to find the time to make it to their assigned polling place to cast their vote on Election Day, even though they know how important it is to be civically engaged.

“During the last primary election, Indiana ranked 50th in the nation for voter turnout. By advancing vote centers, Hamilton County would have been rolling out a proven method to make voting more accessible for all of those families who call Hamilton County home. 

"These are not new. Sixty-seven out of Indiana's 92 counties have adopted vote centers, and there is ongoing discussion to implement them statewide. 

"Furthermore, this move would have saved Hamilton County money in a time when our local governments are having to tighten their belts.  

"By allowing people to vote at any voting center in the county, Hamilton County would have reduced the number of needed polling centers from 235 to 57, reducing spending by thousands of dollars each election. Hamilton County is on the cutting edge of so many governmental reforms and programs, and we take pride in that fact. That's why it's disappointing to us that our community won’t benefit from this model that makes it easier for working families to make their voices heard during the 2026 elections. 

"We remain focused on finding ways to ensure secure, safe and free elections while also finding paths to increase turnout and accessibility."