The Putnam County Election Commission honoring the life and 28-year service of former Chairman Perry Bartlett.
Election Commission Chairman Michael Detwiler said a resolution serves as a formal recognition of Bartlett’s contributions following his passing on June 27. Detwiler said the commission intended to celebrate Bartlett’s nearly three decades of commitment to fair and transparent elections in Putnam County.
“Whereas his profound legacy is defined not only by his longevity of service,” Detwiler said, “But by his steady mentorship, his calm demeanor under pressure, and his tireless dedication to maintaining the public confidence in our elections.”
Detwiler said Bartlett served 16 years as the chairman of the body and navigated the complexities of local, state, and federal election cycles. Detwiler said a framed copy of the resolution will be presented to the Bartlett family as a token of the community’s respect and gratitude.
“Perry was an outstanding person, but a man of few words,” Election Commissioner Linda Daniel said. “His wisdom was legendary about the county.”
Daniel said Bartlett served with many different people over the years and never made a negative comment about anyone. Daniel said she enjoyed her time serving alongside him on the commission and is personally trying to live up to the example he set.
“You know, Mr. Chairman, Perry was a Democrat,” Election Commissioner Amos Powers said. “But, and I think I can speak for Phil, we were honored to serve with him. He was absolutely a gentleman. He will be missed.”
Detwiler said Bartlett also spent 61 years serving on the board of the Farm Bureau. Detwiler said the generation Bartlett represented possessed a different level of dedication than the current one.
In other business, the commission approved the list of poll workers for the 2026 election and appointed nursing home deputies for the August election. The board also voted to maintain the existing early voting and Election Day hours for the November 2026 cycle.
Following the regular meeting, the commission conducted a public examination of the voting machines to be used for early voting and Election Day. Administrator of Elections Jennifer Murphy said staff members verify that every machine in the room remains sealed and that the seal numbers match the official records before each election.
