How We See It: Local Election Officials Should Keep Working Toward Improving the Voter Experience

We generally applaud any change that makes the election experience easier or more convenient for the voters, so let's take a moment to offer encouragement to election officials in both Washington and Benton counties based on recent news.

Washington County election commissioners will meet this week to discuss increasing the number of places residents can vote early. A quarter of Washington County voters cast early ballots in the last two general elections. Both times, early votes could only be cast at two locations: The County Courthouse in downtown Fayetteville and the Rodeo Community Center in Springdale.

What’s the Point: Both Washington and Benton county officials deserve praise for working to improve the voter experience during elections.

Commissioners have spent part of the past two meetings discussing additional locations to make it easier for voters -- especially those in rural areas of the county -- to do the same. One of the chief complaints they've heard from early voters is that the locations aren't convenient for many residents.

The state's next general election is Nov. 4, and early voting will commence Oct. 20.

Commissioners discussed locations like Arvest Ballpark, businesses along Wedington Drive and even a location in Prairie Grove. Any of those would be beneficial to voters who are prepared to vote early, rather than battling long lines and other commitments on election day.

Of course, there are some logistics that have to be worked out, not the least of which is whether the Election Commission has the money in the budget to do it. However, any initiative that helps qualified voters cast their votes more efficiently is worthy goal.

In Benton County, election officials recently used an electronic check-in system for a small special election. Though the number of voters in the Rocky Branch Fire Protection Association election was small, the new check-in system seems to have worked well.

The system allows workers to check a potential voter's registration status against county records instantaneously without relying on enormous printed election books poll workers must now handle.

A second benefit of the system could come with the establishment of "vote centers" in future elections, in which the electronic system would allow citizens to choose among multiple locations to cast a vote. Currently, voters must either vote early or go to their assigned precinct to cast their ballots.

The electronic check-in system would be a requirement if the county wanted to move to the "vote center" concept at some point.

Again, there are logistics to be worked out. And, with no disrespect intended toward the Rocky Branch Fire Protection Association, the Election Commission can't really get a complete picture of how well the system works based on the small number of votes cast.

But, nothing ventured, nothing gained.

We're pleased to see election officials in both counties examining ways to improve the voter experience and make it easier for residents to exercise their right to self-government. While they probably can't do anything about all the negative and depressing television ads that accompany elections, they can at least make the process of casting a ballot less cumbersome.

Commentary on 07/19/2014

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