Dubois County Takes Step Towards Becoming a "Vote Center" County, Altering Locations

By Kris Norton

Dubois Co.
- Dubois County took another step towards becoming a "Vote Center" county during Monday morning's County Commissioners meeting.


Dubois County Clerk Amy Kippenbrock presented the plan before the Commissioners which, when finalized, would no longer require residents to vote in elections at a predetermined precinct. Voters would have the freedom to vote at whichever precinct they found to be the most convenient.

The polling locations might also look different by the time the next time Election Day rolls around. 

Due to the lowest voter turnout numbers, coupled with scheduling issues with the Habig Center and internet connectivity issues at the former VUJC voting site, Kippenbrock proposed that the two sites combine and move to the Thyen-Clark Cultural Center. The former Dubois Middle School location would move to the Dubois Park Building under the proposal. No other polling places would be affected.

The County Commissioners unanimously approved the plan, however, there are still obstacles before finalization.

Kippenbrock says they are still awaiting ADA compliance, public comments, and a 30-day feedback period. Once those criteria are met, it will go before the Dubois County Election Board, which would require a unanimous approval.

A public meeting has been tentatively scheduled for the weekend after Independence Day.