The November election is expected to produce record turnout — and provide the first real test of Sedgwick County Election Commissioner Bill Gale’s drastic reduction of polling places from 208 to 63.
Is it an Election Day fiasco in the making, as some worry? Probably not. But the concerns are valid and deserve another close look.
Walt Chappell and a coalition of voting rights groups, including the League of Women Voters, told the Sedgwick County Commission last week that as many as 20 more polling sites could be needed to meet demand.
Overall, Gale’s streamlined system has worked pretty well, especially with the expansion of early voting sites from two to 16. And Gale argues that the new touch-screen machines could be supplemented with paper ballots if long lines form.
Still, it’s good that commissioners scheduled a March 25 workshop to take a closer look at the concerns. They shouldn’t hesitate to add a few more polling sites in high-volume districts if needed to ensure the new system can handle turnout.
22 Comments
We used to have a very nice polling place at Lake Afton. As it is now, we have to go line up with the town people.
I USED to be able to vote at a small school.
Now they want to make me go to a damn church to vote. SO I vote advance. I don’t need any damn churchies preaching at me while I wait in line to vote.
I have been a poll worker in two different elections at two different churchs - those days are long - and I do not recall seeing anyone preach to anyone standing in line.
Not saying it can’t happen, just that it is outside of my experience.
Bill Gale’s paring down from over 200 to 63 polling places has not been tested yet in a presidential election. Making certain that our election infrastructure is sufficient to meet the needs of voters for an easily accessible election infrastructure is a plan that should err on the side of too many polls. We can’t have “do overs” if we have a disaster. Besides, what is the harm in adding 20 polls back into the equation? Government will still have succeeded in substantially reducing the costs of managing elections?
Twenty more sites would be good. I like to vote early, so won’t make a difference to me.
After Standing in line for over 2 hours in 2000 we have voted by absentee ballot in every election. It easy and stress free. We would be so much better off with mail elections anyway.
JR - I have always had to vote in a church, and have never been preached at.
I always plan to vote early, and for some reason do not get around to it. Where I vote hasn’t been busy yet, but as was stated, this will be the first presidential election since the change. Maybe I chould consider an absentee ballot.
Well they had the line run in front of a table full of religion related papers. And this lady was asking everybody to please take some literature.
Heh, I told her “No thanks, I belong to the church of the holy goat”.
She turned absolutely green and scurried away!
That was the compromise that Democrats forced — cut down the number of polling places if you must, but give us advance voting by mail.
The Republicans still force voters to re-apply every election for advance voting (unless you can prove a disability), but it’s still easier than mucking about at the polling station fighting for parking etc.
Also you mark your vote on re-countable paper ballots.
Record turnout for the caucuses, over a thousand new registered Democrats, fewer polling stations in a Presidential election. Yeah, I can’t see any problems because this worked so well in Florida and Ohio. No doubt the richer, White communities won’t have any shortage of polling locations.
Doug - That is really the point. This election WILL BE record turn out. As unprepared as they were for the caucuses, I hope they learn their lesson for the general election.
Capn - How do you apply for advance voting?
TDT, while I’m not Capn, pleased to provide you with the following link to answer your question:
http://www.sedgwickcounty.org/elections/information.htm#Voting_Options
Steven - I agree. I usually vote in a Church and have no problem … except when it is my local Parish and Father says something like “Long time since I’ve seen you”
The only problem I have with voting in a Church is when the building starts to shake…..
Maybe they do need more polling places, but man, they really could have picked a better spokesman than Walt Chappel. This guy’s a real dip stick.
Chappel doesnt have a conversation with you, he has one at you. He really thinks he is so much smarter than everyone else. I don’t like guys like that!
I’ve voted in advance because of travel plans. That didn’t bother me because I was gone on election day, but the one time I voted early and was home feeling left out on election day wasn’t something I want to repeat. Plus, I’m still remembering the good feelings of that snowy night of the Democratic caucus and I want to be part of that kind of exciting enthusiasm again!
I’ll vote on election day at the church two blocks away and wait in line happily (if need be). I find if I get my attitude adjusted in advance any waiting is easier. I’ll visit with neighbors waiting in line and cast my vote for waaaay better than we’ve had to put with during bushco. Unlike while waiting in the lines at the Democratic caucus, I won’t talk about how wonderful our candidates are but there will be pleasant things to speak of!
The Sedgwick County Voter Coalition has lead the charge against the skeletonizing of our polling places for the last two years. Walt Chappel does not speak for the Voter Coalition.
Vaughn - Thanks for the link, and I already sent in my application for advance voting.
Linda - I do usually have a decent time waiting at the polling places, but this year, I just know that it’s going to be about 3 times the wait.
I hope you are right! One of my biggest concerns is voter apathy and more people at the polls is a good thing. I’ll let you tell me, “I told you so!” And, we can laugh about it together.
I voted absentee once and didn’t have any qualms as I was in Ireland that election day. Who would be thinking about being in line at the polls when they could be in Ireland?? lol I also voted in advance once. When election day came I felt left out, at loose ends. I only get one vote and I had already used it!
I’m retired and I plan my time. My plan for election day is to vote. I know I’m lucky and try to always remind myself of my many blessings.
According to the newspaper and other media Walt Chappell is the spokesperson for the group. He has said he is and the press is saying he is.
Go for it Walt!!!! Make a fool of them like you do all the other groups you participate in.