The State of California is considering scrapping the neighborhood polling place by 2018 in favor of more vote-by-mail balloting and new “Vote Centers.” Managing editor Tami Roleff explains…
A majority of California voters vote by mail, but for people who still want to cast a ballot in person, voting centers would be open for several weeks ahead of the election, with longer hours and on weekends. Compared to current polling places, there would be fewer Vote Centers, but voters could go to any center in the county, not just the one in their district.
Mindy Romero, director of the California Civic Engagement Project at the University of California, Davis, said all registered voters would automatically receive a mail-in ballot.
“The goal is to make voting easier for people, hoping that turnout will increase and participation will increase in California. That’s a question mark, but that is the hope.”
Senate Bill 450, to establish Vote Centers, has already passed the State Senate and the Assembly. It goes back to the Senate to resolve discrepancies, but must be on the governor’s desk by today for his signature or veto. If it passes, San Bernardino County could participate in Vote Centers by 2020.
CALIFORNIA MAY CHANGE HOW PEOPLE VOTE
