On June 7 the WW-P News published my letter “Consolidate Polling Places for Primary Election.” During that week, U.S. Senator Frank Lautenberg passed away and his seat was vacated. Gov. Christie announced that the special elections for that seat will be held on August 13 and October 16.
In Plainsboro, machines will be set up again in six polling places for 12 voting districts. This year’s primary election on June 4 saw only 482 voters. With four poll clerks for each voting machine, 48 poll clerks worked for 12 voting machines. On average, each poll clerk served 10 voters. On the other hand, in April, 2012, about 950 voters cast votes for school board election, which took place in one polling place. For the special primary election on August 13, it is reasonable to predict an even lower voter turnout, as it is peak vacation season. This special primary election can be handled in one polling place with half the voting machines and poll clerks.
Polling places should be consolidated in the primary election to save money. $6 million can be saved to be exact, if each statewide election costs $12 million. I hope poll clerks can understand this proposal. After Christie’s announcement, state senator Shirley Turner (D-15) drafted a bill proposing move the general election to October 16. Gov. Christie said the bill would “be on the ash heap” with other unsuccessful legislation. At the same time, state assembly candidate Marie Corfield and others filed a suit to stop the senate special election on a separate date.
While these two fights both concern the special election on October 16, let’s consolidate polling places for primary election on August 13.
We should be responsible to Garden State taxpayers.
Yu “Taylor” Zhong
Plainsboro
The writer is a candidate for the West Windsor-Plainsboro Board of Education.
