- Meeting Date:
- 05/19/2015
- Title:
- Adopt Resolution 15- to authorize a Vote Center Plan for implementation for all countywide elections beginning in 2016.
- Submitted By:
- Anne Macak, Elections & Special Districts
- Department:
- Elections & Special Districts
Submitted for Signature:
of PRESENTER:
of PRESENTER:
or Basis for Support?:
Information
Agenda Item Text:
Background:
Following the 2014 election cycle, Elections staff were directed to investigate elections solutions to improve the voter experience for Cochise County voters for future elections, including the implementation of a new elections system (hardware and software). During their due diligence efforts (see attached document), staff determined that a Vote Center approach would work well in Cochise County, and is recommending that the Board, by Resolution, authorize staff to implement the use of Vote Centers pursuant to A.R.S. §16-411(B)(4).
Vote Centers are advantageous to voters because, regardless of what precinct a Cochise County voter is registered in, the voter may vote at any Vote Center in the County. This means that for voters who live in one area of the County, but work in another, they may vote at a Vote Center in either area – whichever is more convenient to them. It also means that voters will not have to vote a Provisional ballot if they try to vote outside of their precinct – again, because a voter can vote at any Vote Center within the County. This means that more ballots will count (i.e., a ballot won’t be rejected for voting at the “wrong precinct”).
Vote Centers also allow Elections staff to designate a specific IT Troubleshooter per Vote Center, so there will be no delays for voters while waiting for a troubleshooter to arrive at the polling place to resolve any equipment issues that may arise. It is also cost-effective, because it means that the County has to acquire less voting equipment and hire and train fewer poll workers than would be needed to equip and staff 49 separate polling locations.
It is important to note that the attached spreadsheet showing possible prospective locations for Vote Centers is merely a planning document used to determine how many Vote Centers would be needed for Cochise County voters who do not vote an Early ballot. Changes in registration numbers between now and the next election, particularly changes in registered voters who will be voting at the polls, may dictate the use of alternate locations for Vote Centers, other than those shown on the spreadsheet. In addition, every proposed voting site (whether a Vote Center or precinct polling location), must be vetted for ADA compliance, parking and access, wireless connectivity, etc.).
What staff is requesting today is that the Board adopt the Resolution authorizing use of Vote Centers in Cochise County. Staff will then conduct the vetting of each of the proposed locations as described above, and also vet some alternate locations; discuss polling place contract terms with the owners of those locations to get a firm commitment about voting equipment security, etc.
Upon completion of those tasks, staff will prepare two Vote Center plans to present to the Board at a future Board meeting: The first will be the proposed Vote Centers to be used for the upcoming Presidential Preference Election (PPE) in March of 2016. That plan will necessarily be different than the Vote Center plan for a Primary or General Election because the State reimburses the County $1.25 per registered voter for conducting the PPE, provided that there are at least 2,000 voters for each polling location. This means that Vote Centers for the PPE will likely be more consolidated than the # of Vote Centers for a Primary or General Election. Therefore, staff will also present a second Vote Center plan to be used for a Primary or General Election.
Again, all of the details about specific locations will be determined at a future Board meeting. Today's action is merely to authorize development of plans and use of Vote Centers, so that staff can ensure that the equipment being purchased today is adequate.