Bloomington Mayor Encourages Residents To Participate In Election, Be Patient For Results

(BLOOMINGTON) – Bloomington Mayor John Hamilton Tuesday issued the following statement reminding residents to exercise their right to vote in the current election and to be patient in learning the results of the election:

As we approach Election Day 2020, we strongly urge all Bloomington and Monroe County registered voters to exercise our right to vote. Participating in our American democracy is so essential right now. We’re grappling with a pandemic that has taken more than 225,000 American lives, sickened millions, debilitated our economy, and disrupted life as we know it. We’re dealing with pervasive, systemic racism as well as historic income and wealth inequality. We’re confronting the existential crisis of climate change. And amid all this, we’re experiencing disinformation, foreign interference, and barriers to voting. It’s up to all of us to elect the leaders who will forge the best solutions to these challenges at the local, state, and national levels–from the school board to the Statehouse to the White House. 

This Tuesday, November 3–as in the preceding weeks during mail-in and early voting–our election officials will work hard to deliver a safe and fair election. Some predict a record voter turnout this year. Voters should ignore any rumors or disinformation trying to distract us from voting, whether early in person, by mail, or on Election Day. Our election officials will do their jobs, just like their predecessors have, even in times of warfare and social strife.  Voters will determine this election by showing up to vote.

One difference this year is timing: We may not know the outcome of the election within hours after the polls closed, if there are close elections. That’s not necessarily a reason for panic or suspicion, but just reflects the fact that lots of absentee voting requires extra time to tabulate properly. So let’s all be prepared for the potential of some delay in learning election outcomes. And let’s all do our part peacefully to assure an orderly and fair, lawful and accurate election.   

The single most important step is to vote. Here is how:

Early voting is available at Election Central, 401 West Seventh Street, Suite 100 during the following hours:

  • Tuesday, October 27 and Wednesday, October 28:  8 a.m. – 6 p.m. 
  • Thursday, October 29 and Friday, October 30: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
  • Saturday, October 31: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.  
  • Monday, November 2: 8 a.m. – noon

During these hours you may alternately drop off your completed absentee ballot at this location.  Given the short time before Election Day, this option may be preferable to mailing it in, as ballots must be received by Tuesday, November 3 to be counted.  If you have requested an absentee ballot but not received it, you may take your completed ABS-5 ballot reset form to Election Central to obtain a replacement ballot. 

To vote on Election Day: Polls open on Tuesday, November 3 from 6 a.m to 6 p.m.  Find out where to cast your ballot on Election Day here. Check your registration status, or the status of your ballot request at indianavoter.in.gov. If you need help getting to your polling place, get a free ride on Bloomington Transit; schedules and maps are available here.  Learn how you can help get out the vote in our community, and other ways to increase access to and the fairness of this year’s election at Power the Polls, Protect Democracy, or the  Renew Democracy Initiative.  

You should also know that while the public health crisis has somewhat complicated the voting process this year, the Monroe County Election Board has implemented multiple measures to protect your health when you are at the polls. Find out more here about how the Election Board is working to ensure your safety while voting. 

Thank you for doing your part and voting! 

Mayor John Hamilton