Lake County Board of Elections Meeting – September 29, 2026

The Lake County Board of Elections convened at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, in the Commissioners Courtroom in Crown Point, Indiana. The meeting covered ADA compliance complaints for an early voting site, approval of polling location changes, a request to add a Sunday for early voting, adoption of resolutions, the 2027 meeting schedule, and purchase orders. All five board members were present either in person or by proxy.

Approval of Minutes

• The minutes from August 18, 2026 and September 1, 2026 were approved by a 5-0 vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comment period was held for items outside the agenda. Testimony was given during agenda item 5.1 (see below).

Discussion: ADA-Compliant Early Voting Location (Item 5.1)

• Attorney Tracy Coleman, representing client Patty Joe Gibson King, filed a complaint regarding the East Chicago early voting location at Carrie Gosh Early Learning Center. They argued that past ADA issues (steps, ramps) discouraged voters with disabilities and proposed alternative sites: the Lake County Courthouse at 3711 Main Street or the East Chicago Public Library at 2401 East Columbus Drive.
• Election Director Michelle Feynman reported that after inspections, the school will use the front entrance (no stairs, no children present), making it ADA compliant. She noted that both the school and the library are equally accessible.
• Clerk Brown expressed a personal preference for libraries in Gary, Hammond, and East Chicago, but stated he would support the decision of the precinct committee persons and chairs. He emphasized that changing the location mid-cycle (primary to general) could cause voter confusion, as early voting starts one week later on October 6.
• Board member Brandenburg noted that the complaint had been helpful in prompting a deeper review of accessibility, and that the legal obligation for ADA compliance would be met regardless of location. A motion to dismiss the complaint was made and seconded, passing 5-0.

Discussion: Poll Location Approvals (Item 5.2)

• CCT 5 Change: First United Methodist Church's elevator was out of service. CCT5 will move to Cedar Creek Township Community Room (combined with CCT6). Voters will be notified by postcard and a sign at the church. Approved 5-0.
• EC 25, 28, 31 Change: The former E.C. School Administration Building has no water or heat. The precincts will move to E.C. Block Junior High School. Approved 5-0.
• All other locations: Lake Station 1 & 2 had a name change (from Boys and Girls Club / Carl Hulk School to Carl Hulk School only) as the Boys and Girls Club no longer rents the facility. The remainder of the precincts were approved 5-0.
• Note: These changes are for Election Day voting (November), not early voting. Clerk Brown clarified the timeline difference.

Discussion: Early Voting Request (Item 5.3)

• Both county chairmen requested adding Sunday, October 25, 2026 to the early voting schedule. Hours would be 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM at the Crown Point location and 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM at satellite sites.
• Staff raised concerns about having enough bipartisan workers to staff all 11 satellite locations. Director Feynman stated they would first offer the shift to existing early voting workers, then to staff (with overtime), and if needed, reach out to county chairs for additional poll workers. They have until October 25 to resolve staffing.
• The request was approved unanimously (5-0). Board member Brown expressed support for additional Sunday voting in future elections.

Discussion: Resolutions (Item 5.4)

• Resolution 2026-09: Combined polling places, precinct boards, and voting machines for precincts with 500 or fewer registered voters (same list as primary). Approved by roll call vote (5-0).
• Resolution 2026-10: Establishes 18 deputy election commissioners per political party (total 36), rules for deputies, and process for expedited delivery of tally cards. Approved by roll call vote (5-0).

Discussion: 2027 Board Schedule (Item 5.5)

• The schedule follows the third Tuesday of each month, with two adjustments: December meeting moved to December 14 (avoiding December 21), and the provisional meeting moved to 2:00 PM on a Thursday (due to Veterans Day). Approved 5-0.

Discussion: Public Test of Voting Systems (Item 5.6)

• The board recessed to conduct the public test of voting equipment (IEC-9 and IEC-10) downstairs. Results will be documented and sealed.

Discussion: Purchase Orders (Item 8.1)

• Purchase orders over $1,000 were approved. Clerk Brown was absent for this vote; the remaining four board members voted unanimously in favor (4-0).

Next Meeting & Adjournment

• The next regular meeting is scheduled for October 20, 2026 at 10:00 AM in the Commissioners Courtroom. The meeting recessed to conduct the public test.

Key Outcomes

• 5.1: Motion to dismiss the ADA complaint regarding Carrie Gosh Early Learning Center passed 5-0. The location will remain for the general election with ADA compliance measures in place. Discussion indicated future consideration of library locations. |
• 5.2: Poll location changes for CCT5 (moved to Cedar Creek Community Room), EC 25/28/31 (moved to Block Junior High School), and other precincts approved 5-0. |
• 5.3: Additional early voting day on Sunday, October 25 approved 5-0. |
• 5.4: Resolution 2026-09 (combined precincts) and Resolution 2026-10 (deputy commissioners) approved by roll call 5-0 each. |
• 5.5: 2027 board schedule approved 5-0. |
• 8.1: Purchase orders over $1,000 approved 4-0 (Clerk Brown absent).