This is the WFHB Local News for Monday, November, 7th, 2022.

Later in the program, WFHB Correspondent Abe Shapiro continues his story Civil or Not: The Court Case of Talevski v. Marion and the Debate over a Private Right to Sue. More in today’s feature report.

Also coming up in the next half hour, Election Day is tomorrow. Coming up next in your daily headlines, we cover your rights as a voter. But first, your daily headlines:

November 8th Marks Election Day

Tuesday, November 8th will be Election Day. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Executive Director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana Jane Henegar released a statement on Monday encouraging Indiana residents to vote.

Henegar said, “With so much at stake in this election, from abortion access to LGBTQ rights, voting rights, racial justice, free speech and more, we need every Hoosier to vote like their rights depend on – because they do.”

Henegar also reminded Indiana residents of their rights as voters. First, you need to bring a photo ID in order to cast your ballot. Second, it is illegal for someone to intimidate, threaten or coerce you at the voting booth. For voters with a disability each polling place must be physically accessible and have at least one accessible voting machine. Lastly, if you’re in line when polls close, stay in line. You have the right to vote.

Henegar stated that there are a lot of misconceptions about who can or cannot vote in Indiana. For instance, if you have been previously incarcerated, you are still allowed to vote in Indiana.

She wrote, “voting is one of the most powerful tools We the People have to hold politicians accountable. We can use that power to protect our rights, each other and our communities.”

If you run into any problems while voting or have any questions about your rights, call 866-OUR-VOTE.

Monroe County Election Board

A banner reads, "Vote Here Today," at 401 W 7th Street, Suite 100 (Young).

On November 3rd at the Monroe County Election Board meeting County Clerk Nicole Browne gave an update on Early Voting. She said that the turnout this year has been lower than expected.

Election Supervisor Karen Wheeler confirmed that the numbers are down and encouraged residents to take advantage of early voting.

Browne speculated that residents might be waiting to vote on election day, but informed the public that if they can’t vote on election day they still can still participate in early voting.

Wheeler commented that the county has a successful set up and that voting only takes about 15 minutes due to the polling site running smoothly.

Monroe County residents were able to participate in early voting at Election Operations until noon today. Voting on election Day begins tomorrow at 6 a.m. and ends at 6 p.m. at your local polling site.

Monroe County Board of Commissioners

Photo by Benedict Jones.

During the November 2nd meeting of the Monroe County Board of Commissioners, Commissioner Lee Jones read a proclamation regarding Operation Green Light for Veterans in Monroe County.

Monroe County Health Administrator Lori Kelley provided updates on Covid-19. Kelley said that while coronavirus rates are stable at the moment, the health department is on the lookout for a winter surge.

During public comment, Director of Advocacy and Public Policy for the Bloomington Chamber of Commerce Chris Emge commented on the proposed new jail on Fullerton Pike. He also briefly touched on the Monroe Convention Center.

Next, County Attorney Jeff Cockerill presented an ordinance for an Economic Development Income Tax Capital Improvement Plan. According to Cockerill,