COLUMBUS — Early voting begins at 8 a.m. today at Donner Center, 739 22nd St., in Columbus.
The former parks department offices in Donner Park will be open to those wishing to cast an early ballot on weekdays, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Bartholomew County commissioners agreed to pay the Columbus Parks and Recreation Department $4,900 to rent the building at at 739 22nd St. from Oct. 8 through Nov. 5.
On the two Saturdays prior to the election, two vote centers in Columbus will be open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. One will be at Donner Center, while the other is the Bartholomew County Governmental Office Building, 440 Third St.
Although NexusPark was originally considered the ideal centralized location for early voting, both Bartholomew County Clerk Shari Lentz and the county commissioners say there are good reasons for keeping Donner Center the main location for casting early ballots.
“Speaking for me, I do think it’s easier to get in and out of Donner, with early voting being the only thing happening there,” Lentz said. “It’s not as confusing. People don’t go into the wrong doors, and have to walk through the mall.”
In addition, local residents know where Donner Center is located, understand the building is easily accessible, and has more than sufficient parking, she said.
