Adopt Resolution 15-21 to approve the Vote Centers as set forth on the attached Exhibits, for all countywide elections beginning in 2016.

On May 19, 2015, the Board voted to approve the purchase and implementation of a new election system and also voted to approve a Resolution authorizing staff to develop a Vote Center Plan for future Board consideration.  At that time, the Board provided feedback regarding the locations originally proposed by staff.  Staff also reached out to the Party Chairs and County Administration to solicit input about Vote Center locations.  Staff then conducted site visits throughout the County to review all of the suggested sites for wireless connectivity, ADA accessibility, ease of access, locations situated off major thoroughfares or at known voting locations, parking, public restrooms, etc.  Option 3 (third tab on the attached spreadsheet), shows the 18 Vote Centers recommended by staff; six of the Vote Centers are designated as Rural Vote Centers.

All of the work conducted by staff this year has been done to satisfy the Board's directive to improve the voting experience for Cochise County voters. From a voter's perspective, the most important aspect of implementing Vote Centers is that any Cochise County registered voter can vote at ANY Vote Center location within the County.  

For example, if a voter resides in a precinct in Benson, that voter previously had two choices:  Vote an Early ballot or cast a vote at the local precinct polling location.  This made it difficult for those who were working or traveling elsewhere in the County on Election Day.  With Vote Centers, if the Benson voter works in Sierra Vista, s/he can vote in Sierra Vista.  If a Douglas voter has gone to Tucson for the day, s/he can vote at any Vote Center in Cochise County that is convenient to them en route back to Douglas.  Of course, voters also still have the option to choose to vote an Early ballot.

Staff is prepared to review the overall plan and each recommended location for the Board, and offer an explanation as to why each site was chosen.  We will also display maps showing the Vote Center locations.  

Staff is launching a Voter Outreach Campaign in September and needs to be able to tell the public where Vote Centers will be.  During our Voter Outreach Campaign, we will also be offering demonstrations and hands-on for voters to use the new voting machines.  Several types of outreach are planned, using traditional print and radio media, social media, and in-person presentations at multiple community events.  One such effort taking place in September is at the Cochise County Fair, Sept. 24-27th.  Staff will also be conducting a demonstration for the Sierra Vista City Council meeting in early September (8th @ 4:30 p.m.); that presentation will be televised for Government TV.

If approved, staff will send Vote Center contracts to each of the locations to secure these facilities for each of the three countywide elections currently scheduled for 2016.  The Resolution presented to the Board today authorizes the Elections Director to make emergency Vote Center location substitutions if necessary.  Staff will return to the Board in November 2015 to advise the Board of any such changes, should they become necessary.  If changes become necessary after November, staff will advise the Board immediately.

The amount of equipment purchased was sufficient to equip these Vote Centers, but not all 49 precincts.  There is not sufficient equipment to deploy to each precinct.  Alternative locations could be selected, but we cannot increase the number of Vote Centers without purchasing additional equipment.

Record Resolution and send to Elections.  Thank you.