After learning that dozens of frustrated voters waited for hours in long lines to cast their ballots on Election Day, Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova (D-at-large) called for the creation of a bipartisan commission to figure out why and make sure it doesn’t happen again. At the March 19 Board of Supervisor’s meeting, the commission—jointly chaired by Former Board of Supervisors Chairman Kate Hanley and Stuart Mendelsohn, former Dranesville supervisor—released its final report. They recommended additional poll workers, more training and better technology to keep lines moving. Recommendations encompassed a variety of training, technology, and process improvements, ranging from using more Electronic Poll Books (EPBs) to providing additional parking spaces at polling places. Read the Report (pdf)
“I am pleased that the Election Commission has completed its work,” Bulova said. “It is important that the county implement measures to reduce long lines, decrease wait times and streamline the election process in Fairfax County. The commission has identified a variety of improvements and efficiencies to ensure access and convenience for voters in future elections.”
Additional recommendations included using electronic poll books at every precinct, and asked the county to create a fund that would pay for upgrading voting equipment. The report also suggested that county officials find larger polling places where voters can form lines inside precincts rather than outside during bad weather.
Full Article: Better Training, More Technology.