One poll worker’s take on proposal to move elections

By Guest

Dear Editor:

I am writing to express my deep concerns regarding the proposal to move our town elections from April to November to coincide with state and federal elections. While increasing voter turnout for town elections is a worthwhile goal, this change presents significant operational challenges that must be carefully considered before any decision is made. As someone with direct experience working the polls, I feel compelled to shed light on the logistical realities that are often overlooked in discussions of this nature.

Currently, our state and federal election days are an immense undertaking. Poll workers, all of whom are volunteers, already face an exhausting and demanding schedule that can stretch to 18 hours. Morale is low due to the overwhelming workload, and resources are stretched thin. The prospect of adding another layer of voting — nearly doubling the volume of ballots from approximately 14,751 to over 29,000 — without substantial increases in personnel, funding, and technology places the town at risk of overwhelming an already strained system. The likely consequence is not just increased inefficiency but potential failures in accurate and confidential vote tallying, which undermines the very integrity of our elections.

One of the most pressing concerns is a concern of the number of volunteer poll workers declining due to burnout. If this proposal is approved without addressing resource shortages, it is highly probable that even fewer people will be willing to volunteer, further exacerbating an already precarious situation. Additionally, integrating town elections into the state and federal process introduces unknowns regarding ballot handling, vote-counting systems, and procedural complexities that require rigorous evaluation before implementation.

It is crucial to weigh these concerns against the primary argument for moving town elections: increasing turnout. While low turnout is not ideal, an overwhelmed and under-resourced election process is far worse. A voting process that is rushed, chaotic, or error-prone could lead to delays, inaccuracies, and a loss of public trust in our electoral system. Simply put, an election that struggles to function is not an improvement.

The integrity of our elections is paramount, and any proposed changes must be approached with a full understanding of both the benefits and the risks. I urge you and the decision-making body to take into account the firsthand experience of poll workers who manage the logistical realities of these elections. Before making a decision, please consider whether the necessary resources will be available to ensure a smooth and secure process. If these critical concerns are not adequately addressed, moving town elections to November could create more problems than it solves.

I appreciate your attention to this matter and would welcome the opportunity to discuss these concerns further. Thank you for your time and your commitment to maintaining the integrity of our local elections.

Sincerely,

Richard R. Collette

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