Fewer polling places this election

DAYTON (WDTN) - In these tough financial times everyone is buckling down and the Montgomery County Board of Elections is no exception.

Deputy Director Steve Harsman said after the 2008 Presidential election, they decided to reduce the number of polling locations in Montgomery County from 355 to 176. Closing the locations saved the county over $200,000 dollars a year.

"I think that's reasonable, especially with the cost savings," said Harsman. "I think that's a positive thing as well".

However, not everyone sees fewer polling places as a good thing. The League of Women Voter's has already expressed concern.

"It could be chaos and voter suppression," said Vivienne Himmell with the League of Women Voters. "Because, older, disabled, poor or people who dont understand these things very well, could go to their old polling location and it would be closed and they would go home".
    
This will not be the first election since the reduction in polling places. The cuts happened in 2009, but this will be the first presidential race and there's expected to be record turnout.

"We're estimating about 40,000 voters, who only vote in a Presidential election year," added Harsman.

Harsman said he still doesn't anticipate long lines November 6, because it's expected about a third of all votes in Montgomery County will either be cast early, or absentee.
    
For those who prefer a trip to the polls, postcards with polling locations are going to be sent out to all registered voters in the coming days.

"I think when it is all said and done it wont be a big issue," said Harsman.

If you don't recieve a postcard and need to find out where to vote, you can also call the Montgomery County Board of Elections at 225-5656.