Jennings County officials looking for a new polling location in North Vernon

The Jennings County Clerk’s Office is looking for a new poling location for this year’s city elections. Shawn Gerkin, North Vernon’s clerk-treasurer, explained to city council Monday night that the usual poling location at the Bethel Baptist Church on Norris Avenue is unavailable for the 2019 primary and general elections.

Specifically, county officials inquired about using the Carnegie Government Center in the 100 block of East Walnut Street. Councilwoman Connie Rayburn expressed concerns with the request. Citing issues with accessibility, she said the site doesn’t have adequate parking. Rayburn is also worried about how the extra foot-traffic will impact the work of city employees inside the building.

Councilman Jerry Lamb echoed Rayburn’s concerns, but ultimately moved to make the building available for the May primary if a few remaining options are exhausted. He added that it only makes sense that a government office be utilized for such a need. Lamb suggested that the request for the general election can be revisited later in the year after the primary.

Council voted 3-1 to approve the request.