Officials worry of losing vote centers

LAFAYETTE (AP) - Some local election officials say they're worried about a big increase in costs since Indiana legislators didn't approve extending the use of centralized vote centers where people can cast ballots regardless of their precincts.

Tippecanoe, Cass and Wayne counties are allowed to use vote centers under a state pilot program that expires at the end of the year. The state Senate approved a bill allowing vote centers in all 92 counties, but it didn't advance in the House before the session ended this month.

Tippecanoe County Clerk Linda Phillips said she would face having to staff 105 precinct sites rather than 20 voting centers.

House elections committee chairman Kreg Battles of Vincennes said he didn't think the use of voting centers should be expanded until the Legislature set operating standards.