Sec. 12.1. (a) A county election board may submit a proposed precinct establishment order to the election division using a module of the computerized list established under IC 3-7-26.3 in compliance with sections 15, 15.5, and 16 of this chapter as an alternative to the other procedures set forth in sections 14 through 35 of this chapter.

     (b) A proposed order under this section must comply with any deadline for submission set by the co-directors under section 14 of this chapter.

     (c) The county must submit a map of each proposed precinct and documentation in an electronic format prescribed by the election division, including any digital aerial photograph necessary to depict a split census block, municipal boundary, state legislative district, municipal legislative district, or visible feature. The county must submit the map and the information set forth in sections 15, 15.5, and 16 of this chapter.

     (d) The election division shall transmit a copy of the proposed order to the office for technical comments. The election division shall review the comments of the office to determine if the order would comply with this chapter.

     (e) The election division shall notify the county of any changes needed for the proposed order to comply with this chapter. The county may submit a revision to the proposed order using the module in the computerized list for further review by the election division and the office or request an exemption from the commission under section 20.5 of this chapter.

     (f) The election division may use the module under this chapter to notify the county if the proposed order complies with this chapter. The election division shall also notify the county executive in writing as provided in section 18 of this chapter. The county executive may issue the proposed order and shall file a copy of the proposed order with the election division. The county executive shall give notice of the proposed order under section 18 of this chapter. However, if the election division determines under section 18(g) of this chapter that there is not sufficient time to receive notice of an objection before the next period specified under section 25 of this chapter begins, the election division may request a hearing before the commission. If no objection to the proposed order is filed under section 18 of this chapter, then the order takes effect under section 24 of this chapter without further action by the county executive.

     (g) If an objection is filed under section 18 of this chapter, the county executive may not adopt the order unless the commission approves the proposed order under section 18 of this chapter.

     (h) The election division shall provide the office with a copy of each final order not later than ten (10) days after the order takes effect.

As added by P.L.108-2021, SEC.6.