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BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (AP) — After a period of consistent turnover, Monroe County, Indiana, is optimistic that their election operations will stabilize with the recent appointment of a new supervisor. This follows a series of rapid departures that began when the previous supervisor stepped down after a vote counting error in the November 2022 elections.
Eyeing the May 7 primaries, county officials have promoted a young assistant from within the elections office to the role on Feb. 12, with the League of Women Voters of Bloomington-Monroe County expressing hope for restored public confidence in the upcoming elections.
Challenges in retaining election officials in Monroe stem from heavy responsibilities coupled with modest salaries, a dilemma that is particularly pronounced in this Democratic-leaning county within the predominantly Republican state of Indiana.
Elections offices nationwide have seen a spate of resignations and retirements since the 2020 elections, fueled by heightened scrutiny and threats to election workers. This comes at a time when evolving voting laws are adding complexity to election processes and the 2024 election year is anticipated to be especially challenging.
The resignation of Karen Wheeler, the former Monroe election supervisor, was a significant loss for the county, given her experience and the Republican pressure she faced due to a tabulation mistake. Wheeler resigned after a number of nearly 6,600 ballots were not counted on election night.
The position saw a succession of temporary supervisors, with the starting salary for the role reportedly increased to $55,674 for the new appointee. Concerns have been raised about the demanding nature of the job, the regular changes in election-related laws, and the need for adequate training for new officials stepping in.
Despite some uncertainty about how future elections will unfold, the newly promoted supervisor, Kylie Moreland, is committed to a long-term career in election administration and believes she is well-prepared to take on the role.
Meanwhile, Indiana has allocated federal funding for election security across various counties, although Monroe County was not among the recipients. Regardless, former supervisor Karen Wheeler has moved on to a new job in the county’s parks and recreation department, where she continues to contribute to the community by providing voter registration training.
FAQ Section:
Why did the previous election supervisor in Monroe County, Indiana, resign?
Karen Wheeler resigned after a vote counting error led to nearly 6,600 ballots not being added to the unofficial tally on election night in November 2022. The pressure from her Republican peers contributed to her decision to step down.
Who is the new election supervisor in Monroe County?
The new election supervisor is Kylie Moreland, a 24-year-old who was previously an assistant in the elections office. She was promoted on February 12.
What are the challenges faced by election officials in Monroe County?
Election officials in Monroe County face significant challenges, including the demanding nature of the job, constant changes in voting laws, and relatively low salaries for the amount of work required.
Have there been threats to election workers in Monroe County?
While no specific threats were reported by Monroe officials, there has been a national increase in incidents of threats against election workers since the 2020 elections.
What is happening with election security funding in Indiana?
Indiana Secretary of State Diego Morales announced that over 60 counties will split $2 million in federal funding for election security and related projects, though Monroe County is not currently among them.
Conclusion:
Monroe County, Indiana, is on a hopeful path to stabilizing its election operations with the recent appointment of Kylie Moreland as the new election supervisor. After a year marked by high turnover in the position and the aftermath of a vote counting error, the increase in salary for the top election role and Moreland’s dedication offer prospects of renewed public trust in the election process. As Monroe County and many others across the nation grapple with the complexities of election administration in a changing legal landscape, the importance of experience, training, and security in these crucial roles cannot be overstated.