To the Editor:
For many years, there have been two voting locations in our town – Mary L. Tracy School and High Plains Community Center. Recently I became aware that voting in this year’s election will be limited to only a single location – High Plains Community Center. Apparently, because there was a rainy day last election and some cars got stuck in the mud, the number of locations to vote has been reduced to one. Although High Plains is a central location in our town, given the criticality of voting and elections in our country, I believe that more locations make it easier for everyone to vote.
An over-crowded, single location will result in lines that could discourage voters. Since election day is not a national holiday, many people who work cannot take off a few hours to wait in line to vote. Furthermore, people may arrive at their former voting location, resulting in much confusion. I hope I’m wrong, but I suspect that many people will chose to leave and not exercise their right to vote.
If the intent is to reduce some expense, that is a poor excuse for compromising our democracy by potentially suppressing voters’ participation. I sincerely hope that those who thought this was a good idea will quickly reconsider!
Beverly Propen
Orange
I whole-heartedly agree that one location is less than ideal and a second location should be utilized.
I do, however support the decision not to use Mary L. Tracy school due to the poor traffic flow and damage to the youth soccer fields, used by hundreds of our kids every autumn weekend.
Why not one of our other schools though?