Comment Period For Consolidated Precincts Under Way

 

 

 

 

Royston mayor David Jordan said he has asked the city attorney to research whether the Franklin County Board of Elections can legally consolidate precincts without voter approval.

Jordan tells WLHR News he believes the decision by the election board, while not illegal per se, should have first been presented to the voters in a public hearing before they made their decision.

At their March meeting, the election board voted to consolidate the county’s 13 voting precincts down to four based on the county commission districts.

Jordan said he believes that decision violated state and federal law.

At the board of commissioners work session last week, Franklin County Elections Superintendent Tess Eubanks presented commissioners with the plan.

Eubanks said the Board of Elections voted in March to consolidate precincts for a number of reasons, primarily cost savings.

Eubanks said the 45-day voting cycle is costing the county $8,890 in labor per election.

Eubanks said the Board of Elections explored various options and decided splitting the county into four voting regions was the best option.

 Under the four-district plan, the labor costs to the county per election  would be $2,740.

Other reasons for the precinct consolidation, according to Eubanks include, quicker election results for the public, more efficient use of voting equipment, more quality control and a steady increase in the number of early voters.

Eubanks pointed to a number of  surrounding counties, such as Rabun, Stephens, Dawson, and Lowndes counties which have either consolidated down to one voting center or drastically reduced the number of their precincts.

All, she said, have indicated a significant cost savings, between 30%- 50% per primary or general election and up to 75% per run-off elections.

Eubanks said the Board of Elections is currently holding a 30-day comment period where voters are invited to call or stop by the Elections and Registrations office to voice their opinions or ask questions.

They can also view a map of the new voting districts.

At the end of the 30-day comment period, Eubanks said there will be a public hearing at the Elections and Registrations office.

A date for the public hearing has not yet been set.