Sec. 10. (a) Except as provided in subsection (d), not later than August 1, 2018, and not later than July 1 each year immediately following a year in which presidential electors are chosen, the secretary of state shall determine the following:

(1) Which precincts within the county had fewer than six hundred (600) active voters (as defined in IC 3-11-18.1-2) as of November 1 of the preceding year.

(2) Whether compliance with the precinct boundary standards set forth in IC 3-11-1.5-4 or IC 3-11-1.5-5 would prevent the combination of a precinct described in subdivision (1) with one (1) or more adjoining precincts.

(3) The potential savings in the administration of elections resulting from the combination of precincts under this section.

Notwithstanding IC 3-11-1.5, the secretary of state shall issue an order to consolidate precincts within the county that is consistent with the standards stated in this subsection and shall file the order with the board and the election division.

     (b) The order issued by the secretary of state must do both of the following:

(1) Realize savings for the county.

(2) Not impose unreasonable obstacles on the ability of the voters of the county to vote at the polls.

     (c) An order issued under subsection (a) takes effect January 1, 2019, and September 1 each year following the year in which presidential electors are chosen.

     (d) Not later than July 1, 2018, the commission shall adopt a precinct establishment order for the county that the commission considers will do both of the following:

(1) Realize savings for the county.

(2) Not impose unreasonable obstacles on the ability of the voters of the county to vote at the polls.

If the commission adopts an order under this subsection, the order takes effect January 1, 2019. If the commission does not adopt an order under this subsection, the secretary of state shall issue an order as provided in subsection (a).

As added by P.L.262-2017, SEC.1. Amended by P.L.210-2018, SEC.1.