Monroe County, Indiana, primary election live updates, results

It's Primary Election Day in Monroe County. Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. throughout the county.

After the polls close, election results will be published here. Check back for updates about turnout that will be posted throughout the day.

Light turnout when polls open at 6 a.m. at Bloomington South

Only one person was waiting when the doors opened at 6 a.m. for the five precincts that vote at Bloomington High School South on Tuesday. According to inspector Kurt Seiffert, the South voting site is the second largest in Monroe County for this primary election and there are usually between one and five people waiting for primary elections. By 6:15 a.m. four votes had been cast.

For this election, there are changes to where voters enter the high school. This time the doors for the gym closest to Frank Southern Ice Arena are open.

For county residents who vote at the high school, this will be their first time in the White Gym. Previously voters entered near the cafeteria area closest to Walnut Street. City residents voted in the gym for the November 2023 elections, which only had city races on the ballot.

"We didn't move addresses but we shifted locations," explained Seiffert, who has worked at polling stations in Monroe County for the past 30 years.

Seiffert said the changes have been good, providing more control of the location and a better layout for poll workers.

"The clerk's office continues to improve things every year," Seiffert said, stating that instructions to poll workers were streamlined for this election. He views the primary election as a good "practice run" for the upcoming general election, which he anticipates will draw many more voters.

For Tuesday's election, Seiffert's "wild guess" at how many county residents will vote at BHSS is about 800. That's a normal number for a primary election, he said.

He's also watching for poll watchers and challengers, something all polling sites were told to expect for this election. Poll watchers can observe the clerks as they check in voters. They are not allowed to challenge what they see but can alert a challenger who can make an official challenge. It's something Seiffert said he's never had to process.

"I have seen poll watchers," Seiffert said, but it was one time and was before the 2016 election.

Monroe County primary election: What to know before you go

Find your polling location and check your registration status at indianavoters.in.gov.

Remember to bring your ID with you. Find acceptable forms of ID on the Secretary of State's website.

The Herald-Times asked candidates in each contested local race questions about themselves and their vision for Monroe County.

Commissioner, district 2:Peter Iverson vs. Julie Thomas

Commissioner, district 3 (Democrats):Penny Githens, Jody Madeira, Steve Volan

Commissioner, district 3 (Republicans):Joe VanDeventer vs. Paul White Sr.

Council, at-large:Matt Caldie, Trent Deckard, David Henry, Cheryl Munson

State and Congressional races also on the ballot in Monroe County

The 9th Congressional District seat in the House of Representatives is up for re-election. Current incumbent, Republican Erin Houchin, faces a challenge from Hugh Doty. Houchin, who lives in Salem, took office in 2023. Voters can review her Congressional record here. Hugh Doty, of Sellersburg, is running on an "America First" platform.

Those pulling a Democratic primary ballot will choose between D. Liam Dorris, a self-described Democratic Socialist from Bloomington, and Timothy Peck, a doctor and businessman who lives in New Washington.

Other offices appearing on the primary ballot include president, U.S. senator, governor and uncontested races and party convention delegates.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: live updates monroe County indiana primary election results