Linda Ann Bragg
The program at the March meeting of Voices United was presented by member Jane Scholtz. Jane is a retired journalist now living in Robson Ranch. She is currently a volunteer voter registrar, election worker, precinct chair and member of the Facilities Committee. She is also a world traveler.
The program explained what Voting Centers are and how and why they would help ALL voters in Denton County.
What are Voting Centers? In a county that uses Voting Centers, registered Texas voters can vote at any polling place in their county on Election Day. The same equipment and procedures are used as during early voting. 99 counties in Texas with 85% of Texas voters have Voting Centers. Denton does not.
In Denton County, 11-15% of voters that show up to vote on Election Day are at the wrong polling place and by law are told they cannot vote. Many times, their voting place is miles away. They may be offered a provisional ballot but it will likely not be counted.
Jane explained that this happens every election day to Republicans, Democrats and Independents. It could happen to you!
During early voting you are allowed to vote at any polling place.
The elected Denton County Commission can implement Voting Centers right now without party approval for all elections except primaries which are only held every other year. There was originally a glitch in the law that made Denton County not eligible for Voting Centers but that was fixed four years ago. The Commission has not agreed to establish Voting Centers in the last four years.
There can be as many as 150 polling locations for an election in Denton County , and they can change from election to election.
If you show up at the wrong polling place on election day the law requires you to be redirected to your assigned polling location to cast your vote – even if you can’t get there before the polls close.
In the Nov. 5th election, 11% of the voters reported to the incorrect location. Workers recorded how many people they had to redirect.
Jane encouraged the group to speak at a Tuesday morning County Commission Meeting to let them know that we would like Voting Centers now. For more information you can go to www.VotingCentersNow.org.
Voices United is a non-partisan group of Robson Ranch women who share progressive values, perform community outreach, provide civic awareness and social contact for members, and have a good time. We’re a 501(C)(3) group. Our annual dues are $25.
For more information, go to www.voicesunitedrr.org.