This story has been updated to reflect additional information from sources.
The League of Women Voters of Bloomington-Monroe County expressed concern about staffing for the 2024 election in an open letter to Monroe County Clerk Nicole Browne Tuesday.
The league questions whether Monroe County will be prepared for the 2024 primary and general elections. They said the county has neither an election supervisor nor a chief deputy clerk.
However, in an emailed response to WTIU, Browne said Ryan Herndon took over this month as the county’s new election supervisor.
Browne said there is not a Chief Deputy Clerk at this time.
Read more: Election Board OK’s committee to create vote centers in Monroe County
Browne said the county has election vendors, early and absentee workers, and poll workers who return to work elections year after year.
“As we prepare for 2024, I am confident that Monroe County will continue to have the great elections that our voters have come to know and expect,” Browne said.
In an email response to WTIU, League spokesperson Ralf Shaw said they were pleased to hear that Herndon was appointed as the election supervisor.
“Even with this good first step, the Election Central staff will have a lot to learn as they pick up the reins from long-term staff who had worked together through many election cycles,” Shaw said.
Herndon said in an email to WTIU that staff and polling sites were reduced in the 2020 elections in compliance with COVID-19 executive orders from Gov. Holcomb.
"Monroe County voters should expect an election experience that mirrors pre-pandemic accommodations for a better-than-expected voter turnout," Herndon said.
Election Staffing Concerns by Indiana Public Media News on Scribd
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