Johnson County Approves Vote Center Plan for May Elections

Bill could reduce early voting days, but county says it won't affect voter access

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Voters in Johnson County, Indiana will have multiple options for casting their ballots in the upcoming May primary elections. The county's election board unanimously approved an amended vote center plan that includes five early voting sites and 15 Election Day vote centers. However, a bill moving through the state legislature could reduce the number of early voting days from 28 to 16, though the county clerk believes this change won't significantly impact turnout.

Why it matters

Ensuring accessible and convenient voting options is crucial for maintaining high voter participation, especially in non-presidential election years when turnout tends to be lower. The proposed reduction in early voting days has drawn criticism from voting rights advocates who argue it could lead to longer lines and further depress turnout in the state.

The details

The amended vote center plan approved by the Johnson County Election Board provides voters with five early voting sites, including the county courthouse and four satellite locations. Early voting is currently set to begin on April 7 and run through May 4, with the courthouse open for voting Tuesday through Friday during the first week, then Monday through Friday for the following three weeks. The satellite sites will be open for voting on April 30-May 1 and two Saturdays, April 25 and May 2. On Election Day, May 5, there will be 15 vote centers across the county. However, a bill moving through the Indiana legislature, HB 1359, would reduce the early voting period from 28 days to 16 days, which would push the start of early voting at the courthouse to the week of April 20.

  • Early voting is currently set to begin on April 7 and run through May 4.
  • The satellite early voting sites will be open on April 30-May 1 and two Saturdays, April 25 and May 2.
  • Election Day is May 5.

The players

Trena McLaughlin

Johnson County Clerk

Joe Villanueva

Chairman of the Johnson County Election Board and the Republican member

House Bill 1359

A bill moving through the Indiana legislature that would reduce the early voting period from 28 days to 16 days

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What they’re saying

“We do not have a lot of contested races, so I don't think that voter turnout, unfortunately, will be very high. I think if they do pass this law, it will go into effect for the primary election, but it will not affect our vote centers.”

— Trena McLaughlin, Johnson County Clerk (dailyjournal.net)

“Even if the number of early voting days is reduced, the county would still have the same number of vote centers. We didn't want to waste taxpayer money and resources, but if it did happen, it wouldn't have an appreciable impact on the ability of voters to vote. If HB 1359 did pass, the election board would deal with it when it happens.”

— Joe Villanueva, Chairman of the Johnson County Election Board and the Republican member (dailyjournal.net)

What’s next

HB 1359 has not yet been called for a full vote before the Indiana Senate. Lawmakers have a limited amount of time to do so before the legislative session ends later this month.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate over voting access in Indiana, with proposed changes to early voting days sparking concerns about potential impacts on voter turnout. While Johnson County officials believe the reduced early voting period would not significantly affect their vote center plan, voting rights advocates argue such measures could further depress participation in non-presidential election years.