St. Joseph County counts 304 ballots on 'Super Sunday'

SOUTH BEND, Ind. — From the pews to the voting polls, parishioners across the city trickled into the County-City building South Bend to cast their ballots before Tuesday’s primary election. 

According to poll workers, 269 ballots were cast in South Bend on Sunday. In Mishawaka, 35 ballots were cast. 

On what’s called ‘Super Sunday,’ many churches in the area encouraged their congregations to vote in this year’s municipal election. 

“We came from church today,” said Jacob Hughes, who voted on Sunday. 

Hughes’ wife Laquita said Sunday worked out good for early voting because people were already out at church. Some people just found convenience in voting on a Sunday.

“Sometimes it’s hard to get to the polls,” said Donna Fecher, who voted with her son on Sunday. “He’s a college student and has finals this week, he wants to make sure he can vote.”

For those who also wanted to take advantage of Sunday voting, but did not have the wheels to get there, Lisa De’Berry helped out. She said for the past week she has been driving people who give her a call requesting a ride to polling places in the area. 

De’Berry said the month before November’s general election that she picked up nearly 100 people. However, this time around she said she picked up 12 voters. 

“That’s a lot of people compared to nobody voting right now,” said De’Berry. 

On Thursday, officials expressed concern with the low voter turnout St. Joseph County has seen since early voting start on April 9. The county clerk reported on Thursday they only processed more than 1,500 ballots. 

“People don’t know about early voting,” said Cheryl Ashe.

Ashe said she’s canvassed her neighborhood with cards, which list early voting dates and other voter information. She said while speaking with other voters they say people assume election day is the only time they can vote.

“We have got to do a better job,” said Ashe.

De’Berry said she was able to raise $1,000 for her ‘Souls to the Polls’ initiative. She said this is a job she has taken on in order to educate and encourage excitement at the polls. 

“To see people voting, it makes me feel really good,” said De’Berry.

On Monday, the last day of early voting, polls will open at the County-City building at 8 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. On Tuesday, which is primary election day, various polling places will open at 6 a.m. and close at 6 p.m.

Click here to find a polling place near you St. Joseph County.