Behind-the-scenes of early voting in Franklin County

(BROOKVILLE, Ind.) – The person responsible for ensuring fair elections in Franklin County is giving a glimpse behind the scenes. 

Neysa Raible has served as the Circuit Court Clerk for the past nine years and is term-limited so she isn't seeking re-election. 

She's currently overseeing the mail-in and early voting for the upcoming Primary on May 5. 

Raible said that there is no way that she, or anyone in her office, can tamper or change votes.

"In regard to early voting, we can’t see who someone votes for. People vote through an electronic machine and there's substantial oversight to ensure the number of votes collected at the end of any given day, exactly matches that same number when we open the following day,” Raible explained. 

Anyone in the county can submit an early vote at the courthouse. There are two poll workers each day, one Republican and one Democrat, that provide your specific ballot before you go to the machine to cast your vote. 

The 812 met with two Franklin County poll workers who showed us the process and we were able to confirm that it's not possible for them to see who someone votes for.

When it comes to mail-in voting, the ballot received by the clerk’s office does not list the names of the candidates on them. It's a fill-in number form that must be in an official envelope that was mailed to the recipient.

All of those mail-in votes remain in that envelope in a locked location until they will be opened for the first time by a bipartisan board on Election Day. 

Her office has even returned mail-in envelopes back to citizens if it was damaged or not sealed properly. 

“We also offer a travel board where a bipartisan team goes to homebound voters and assists them when they vote,” Raible said. 

Raible understands that there can be rumors at times in the community, but emphasized that her office is only focused on ensuring a fair election for all candidates.

“Anyone that is running for office, we provide everything that they ask for to help them throughout the campaign, and I feel that is a big part of our job,” she said. 

Raible is reflecting on her time as clerk and says she is proud to leave a legacy of integrity with the office.

“I love all the different hats we get to wear in this office, but during an election season my focus is making sure everything runs smoothly. It can be a thankless job, but our goal is to be there for each candidate and each citizen,” Raible explained. 

She added that if anyone is concerned about the election process in any county, that they should reach out to law enforcement or the Indiana Secretary of State. 

Raible also encouraged citizens to reach out to her office by calling (765) 647-5111 ext 3 or to email elections@franklincounty.in.gov.

There are a handful of contested races in Franklin County and you can view them here. 

The May Primary historically features a low voter turnout as only 25 percent of Franklin County voters submitted a ballot in May 2024. 

You can check your voting status and see your specific ballot by going to https://indianavoters.in.gov/