Voting procedures need to be examined

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Slightly more than 17 percent of Newton voters turned out to vote in Tuesday’s city election. That’s nothing to write home about considering nearly 83 percent of voters opted not to exercise their right, but the 17 percent total actually is above average for a Newton city election. And certainly the turnout for Tuesday’s city elections was far better than the 1 percent turnout garnered by the school board elections earlier this fall.

Still, given that Newton doesn’t routinely draw anywhere near the maximum number of registered voters, it might be time to consider consolidating some of the precincts to reduce the number of poll workers needed for elections. Such a move could save money and streamline the voting process in Newton.

Newton currently had four wards, each with two precincts. On election day, with polls open until 8 p.m., voters nearly always are outnumbered at their polling place by the number of volunteers there. Why not have a single precinct for each ward? Having three or four voters voting at the same time, wouldn’t tax precincts anymore than having one or two would.

Half the number of precincts in the Newton would accomplish the same thing that eight does.
This plan is not suggested to take anything away from the civic-minded people who choose to aid the democratic process by working the polls on election day. They are to be commended for their service to the community and for filling a vital role in the voting process. Still, one has to wonder if it’s a good use of their time to have half a dozen poll workers sitting at each precinct for more than 12 hours with no more than a few people at a time to help. Newton would have just as successful of a vote with fewer locations.

Perhaps consolidating polling places would even help streamline the process, with fewer locations needed to be staffed. The areas most conducive to efficient voting could be retained and even add a staff member or two to help with the extra voters. It’s something to consider, especially when 83 percent of voters aren’t coming out to exercise their right.