Vote nixes Marion Co. satellite voting

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - There will be no early voting at satellite locations in Marion County for the May primary.

The Republican member of the Election Board voted against the idea Wednesday morning. Patrick Dietrick said he's concerned about ballot security.

Satellite voting was popular in the 2008 election when more than half the absentee voters went to two satellite locations.

Three locations were used in 2009.

Democrats say that the GOP is trying to make it harder for people to vote.

“The Republicans say they're concerned about process. They say they're concerned about process for 2008 but they voted unanimously in 2009 for two of the sites they just rejected,” said Democratic Spokesman Adam Kirsch.

Dietrick said, “The last thing I am trying to do is make it harder for anyone to vote. Everyone will have the opportunity to vote early as they have for years and years and years. They'll have the opportunity to vote at their polling place.”

Democratic County Clerk Beth White says she will now expand the hours for early voting at the City-County Building.