Public Hearing Tonight on Precinct Consolidation in Franklin County
Franklin County voters will have a chance tonight to voice their opinions on a plan by the Board of Elections to consolidate the county’s 13 voting precincts down to four.
The Franklin County Board of Elections voted in March to consolidate the county’s voting precincts.
In June, Franklin County Elections Superintendent Tess Eubanks told the Board of Commissioners her board voted 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. Under the four-district plan, Eubanks said the labor costs to the county per election would be $2,740.
Eubanks said the Board of Elections explored various options and decided splitting the county into four voting regions was the best option.
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.
However, critics say the plan as originally stated last month, would disenfranchise voters without transportation, such as those living in public housing and the elderly.
Eubanks said later the election board’s decision to consolidate the precincts is not set in stone and the public comment is welcome.
“This is a work in progress and we’re starting it now so we can go back to the drawing board if needed,” she said. “Mainly they’re looking for the public to say if they don’t like the current plan, what plan would they like to see. We’re open to suggestions.”
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.
During a 30-day public comment period, Eubanks said voter opinion for or against ran about 50-50.
Eubanks said the Board of Elections wants to have a new voting district plan in place by July 2014.
Tonight’s public hearing takes place at the Justice Center in Carnesville beginning at 6p.