Vote center concept could cut cost of elections :: Local News :: Post-Tribune

Vote center concept could cut cost of elections :: Local News :: Post-Tribune:

... Vote centers allow election officials to staff fewer polling places on Election Day. Many voters like the convenience of being able to cast a ballot at a church near their house, at a downtown building on their lunch break or at a supermarket before grocery shopping.

But some caution that the concept may not work everywhere. With fewer polling places, many people have to travel farther to vote, which is a problem for those without transportation. Under the state's vote center pilot program, counties are required to have at least one vote center for every 10,000 active voters.

The report stresses vote centers can produce greater efficiency. Currently, the state operates 5,000 precincts with a minimum of five poll workers at each one, along with expensive voting machines, estimated to cost about $5,000 each.

A vote center consolidation eases that burden, the report says.