Early in-person voting begins in Evansville

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WFIE) - Wednesday marks the first day of early in-person voting for the city of Evansville, and there are several key races on the ballot this year.

This year’s election may not be a large one, but poll and city officials are still asking you to vote if you are eligible.

This year is a municipal election, meaning it’s only for the city of Evansville

Clerk of the Circuit Court, Carla Hayden said, “The only people who will be allowed to vote in this election are those who are registered voters in the city of Evansville, the people who live outside the city limits will not be eligible for this election.”

If you choose to vote early, you must have a government issued photo ID with you, with an accurate address and expiration date on it.

“Once they’ve pulled you up verified that you’re eligible to vote in this election, they’ll give you what’s called a verification ticket,” said Hayden.

For Voters like Edie Hardcastle, a lot of the appeal lies in what she says is the ease of it.

“It’s so easy. You just need to make sure you bring your picture ID, and it’s a very short ballot this year since it’s only municipal elections,” says Hardcastle, “I’ve been early voting as long as you can early vote. I love it.”

From there, you’ll receive a ballot.

Poll workers will then direct you to a voting machine where you can complete votes, seal it and turn in.

If you choose to vote this year, you’ll make the decision for Mayor, City Council Ward’s one through six and City Council at large.

Bob and Michelle Rothschild say they’ll be leaving town soon, and wanted to make sure they still did their civic duty.

“If you don’t vote, you don’t have the right to complain when things go wrong,” says Bob, “I think it’s absolutely critical that people do get out and vote. People have been disgruntled about the economy, about the way things have been going. The only way we’re going to change it is to get out and vote for the right people.”

“We vote. We support our people,” says Michelle.

Marge Schellhasc, has been a poll worker for four years.

“I think that it’s very important that we all have representation, that your ballot counts and that everything runs smoothly,” said Schellhasc.

At each voting station there are Republican and Democratic poll workers to ensure nobody is influencing your decision.

“You’re going to get your printed ballot out, you’re going to look at it make sure you did the right thing and then each party is going to sign off on that, then it gets counted and goes in the box,” said Schellhasc.

For early voters like Hardcastle and the Rothschilds, this allows them to go in and feel like their voices are heard.

“Less than half the people will come out and vote for the municipal elections, so it’s really important to do that because it’s really a critical election this year,” says Hardcastle.

“The Mayor’s race is very important, very important,” says Bob.

Central Library, located on MLK Jr. Blvd downtown across the street from the Old National Events Plaza, is currently the only location open for early voting.

When you arrive, navigate to the second floor to the room labeled quiet study, that is where you will cast your ballot.

Early voting started Wednesday at 9 a.m. and goes until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday until Election day on November 7th.

On October 23, several other locations in Evansville will become available to vote early.

You can find official voting locations here.

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