Training sessions for Kosciusko County election employees will no longer be mandatory.

The election board approved the drop of the mandatory requirement Friday. The board also approved dropping the reduction in pay for those employees who missed the training sessions.

The motion came from a suggestion by Democratic Party Chairman Steve Haines.

The board reasoned that most election workers had worked the polls many times in the past and didn't need the repeated training.

The board also discussed the financial reports of local candidates. Board Secretary Marsha McSherry said some candidates haven't filed their reports yet. It was determined that a courtesy letter or call would be made to those who have yet to file.

The Wawasee School Board also requested that their attorney, David Kates, be present election night at the polls. Kates does not represent any candidate so the board determined that they will appoint him as a watcher.

The delivery and picking up of ballots was also discussed by the board.

The board determined that the county, divided into nine sections, will require 18 people for delivery and pickup.

Haines said Indiana Code 3-11-10-13 requires that ballots have to be under the control of at least one representative of both parties at all times. He also said that since there was a sheriff's race this year, it may not be advisable to let the sheriff's department handle the transportation of ballots.

Republican-appointed Steve Hearn said the code requirement will cost taxpayers more money.

The board decided that a representative of each party will handle the transportation of ballots but the representatives will need to be trained ahead of time.

The election board includes Haines, Hearn, Republican Party Chairman Mike Miner, Democrat appointee Joseph E. Banks III and McSherry. [[In-content Ad]]