Major changes are coming to how elections are handled in St. Joseph County.

Commissioners Tuesday night voted that all responsibilities of the Voter Registration Board will now be handled under the clerk's office.

Two republicans and two democrats will now report to the clerk for voter registration.

This is a decision that took some time, after ample input from the public.

Some are relieved it went through, while others are not so sure.

"People had the misconception we were doing away with voter registration in the statute that's kind of the wording, but we're not. It's just gonna be under the county clerk," said Derek Dieter, (R) St. Joseph County District 2 Commissioner.

The vote was pushed back two weeks ago as some raised concerns over political party representation on the new board.

After a change in language for the proposal, it passed unanimously. Eliminating four positions and putting two republicans and two democrats under the clerk, who will also select them.

"Something that's kinda lost in all this is the voter registration office doesn't have a lot to do at certain times of the year, so that's one of the reasons why we feel that we can reduce the number of positions and also cross train those people so that in those down times they can help with other duties," said Carl Baxmeyer (R) St. Joseph County District 1 Commissioner.

Despite the 50/50 split, some say they don't feel represented by the decision.

"It leaves out independents, as well. We're vastly underrepresented in our government, and they've already made ballot access and hoops and hurdles for small parties to be viable to vote for," said Elizabeth Coquillard, Libertarian Party of Indiana District Chair Representative.

Other comments suggested a lack of trust in the clerk's office by some democrats, who say they don't want the republican clerk choosing who will represent them.

But St. Joseph County Voter Registration Democratic Deputy Donna Hurley says she was 100% for the merger and has complete confidence in the clerk.

Commissioner Baxmeyer says it is time to let the clerk do her job and build trust that way.

Some details are still to come as budget and other logistic meetings will take place soon.