Reply #17: (TN) Voting centers could replace rural precincts [View All]

[Wilms]

Voting centers could replace rural precincts

Tullahoma News

March 22, 2005

A contingency of election officials statewide have voiced opposition to a bill making its way through the legislature that would give counties the option of switching to a "voting center" system, eliminating most rural precincts.

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The new bill calling for a "voting center" system would eliminate most precincts and open a handful of "voting centers" throughout the county. All of the "voting centers" would be open for a period leading up to election day and actually on election day.

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Pruett says he is opposed to the cost of the new electronic voting systems and claims Tennessee could be the focus of an embarrassing election mishap similar to Florida's in 2000.

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"Creating fewer locations is based upon the concept, 'Bigger is better'," Pruett said. "This discriminates against the smaller rural community precincts. Tennessee does not need systematic discrimination against any group of voters ... those that will have the longest distance to drive will vote less often; it is a matter of convenience or inconvenience. Eliminating election day precincts will change voter turnout percentages across counties and will impact many races for county-wide office."

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http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=14191495&BRD=1614&PAG=461&dept_id=516594&rfi=6