STATEHOUSE (April 29, 2009) - Some election day in the future, residents of Johnson County may be able to vote while stopping to pick up a gallon of milk.

Sen. R. Michael Young's legislation allowing voting centers in Johnson County was passed in overwhelming fashion by the Senate during the last night of the 2009 session. Young says the new law will not only be of great convenience to residents, but also save taxpayers as much as $1 million.

SEA 209 was co-authored by Sens. Richard Bray (R-Martinsville), Pat Miller (R-Indianapolis), Greg Walker (R-Columbus) and Brent Waltz (R-Greenwood).

"At a time when Hoosiers are cutting back on spending, this legislation makes a lot of sense," Young said. "Elections shouldn't be difficult or costly, and I'm thankful for the strong Senate support on this bill."

Passage of the legislation comes less than a year after severe storms caused flooding in the Johnson County Courthouse at Franklin, damaging approximately $2.4 million worth of voting equipment purchased in 2003, according to Johnson County Clerk Jill Jackson.

Young explained vote centers allow counties to pilot centralized voting locations at grocery stores, government and shopping centers.

"In 2008, vote centers streamlined election management, reduced costs and increased voter turnout," Young said. "I'm hopeful Johnson County officials will see the same kinds of results."

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