Increasing Voter Turnout

The League of Women Voters is an organization founded upon the desire to “get out the vote.”  After a thorough study, we recommend the adoption of Vote Centers as proposed by the Florida State Association of Supervisors of Elections.  “Vote Centers” in this context would mean an increased number of polling places throughout the County that would be open prior to Election Day and allow any registered voter to vote at ANY of the Vote Center sites in the entire County including on the designated Election Day.  Precinct voting would be eliminated. 

We determined some of the pros and cons of adopting this proposal.
           
The pros include:

1. There would be fewer sites and fewer problems such as a voter being in the wrong precinct.    
2. Poll worker recruitment would focus on more experienced, professional personnel, with potential cost savings.
3. Political parties and candidates would need fewer volunteers for poll watching/observing.
4. Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) would be easier to achieve.
5. Vote Center registers and registration data would be connected electronically.
6. Provisional ballot concerns would be more effectively addressed.
7. There would be a real potential for a higher voter turnout.

The cons include:

1. A decrease in the number of poll workers, some of whom rely on the income.
2. Elimination of “precinct voting” on Election Day – a break from “tradition.”
3. A need for candidates and parties to change their campaign procedures.
4. Possible perception of an extended length of the campaign.

           
Cindy Guest, President
Pat Price,
League of Women Voters of Sarasota County