Counties throughout the Miami Valley are having to find new polling places for the upcoming election on Tuesday. The Secretary of State has directed that all polling locations at residential senior citizen facilities must be relocated because of concerns about the coronavirus. Montgomery, Warren, Darke and Clark counties have all had to find new polling sites.
When Clark County got the news on Monday, the Board of Elections started looking for a polling place that could replace the Fellows Terrace Apartments for seniors.
“We are a little bit advantaged in that we were able to find a replacement facility really quickly,” said Amber Lopez, Deputy Director of the Clark County Board of Elections. “I don't know if all counties will be able to do that.”
Even though the county was able to find a place less than a mile away, notifying voters in time is another hurdle for the Board of Elections. Some poll workers have said they are not comfortable working the election anymore.
One thing Lopez said might help on election day is the county’s updated voting machines. The newer technology makes for a quicker process that does not require as many workers.
“With all of the new voting equipment, you really don't need that many people to check in voters,” she said.
Lopez said her team is trying to find a balance; they are taking concerns about the coronavirus seriously while also making sure to carry out a free and fair election in Ohio.