Vote Center Option Can Make Voting Easier, Less Expensive

In addition to extending a convenience for voters, Vote Centers have the potential to significantly decrease administration costs on Election Day by consolidating and maximizing resources. If election jurisdictions choose to utilize Vote Centers, they could see cost savings in ballot printing, equipment purchasing, maintenance, and salaries for poll workers. Because fewer poll workers are required for Vote Centers, a stronger priority can be put on selection and training. 

Vote Centers can also mitigate the potential for voter fraud, by connecting all local polling places with electronic poll books. If a resident attempts to vote twice within their jurisdiction, records will immediately show that they have already cast their ballot elsewhere.

An analysis conducted by Pew Charitable Trusts found that election jurisdictions in Colorado saved an average of 40 percent on election costs after the state implemented voting reforms, including Vote Centers, in 2013. The report explains the efficiencies were in large part due to the use of Vote Centers, and decreases in labor and printing costs accounted for significant portions of the cost reduction. The report also notes that in a survey of over 1,500 voters, 96% reported that they were satisfied, or very satisfied, with their voting experience.

Jurisdictions in Colorado have also worked to make Vote Centers work for a variety of demographics. In urban areas, Vote Centers are positioned near heavy traffic areas, larger residential areas, major employers, and city bus routes. In rural areas, they are positioned at recognizable community landmark locations, often the same locations as the prior precinct polling places.

Indiana successfully piloted Vote Centers in three counties in 2010. A statewide assessment found that every Indiana county could save at least 20 percent by implementing vote centers, and some counties were projected to save as much as 59 percent. A Ball State University study also found that 80% of voters surveyed in the pilot program preferred Vote Centers to the traditional precinct-based model.

In order to become a “Vote Center County” in Indiana, jurisdictions must submit a public transition plan to the County Election Board, take comments at a public hearing, and receive public comments online for a period of at least 30 days. The County Election Board then votes to approve or amend the plan based on public feedback. ICPR would recommend a similar approval process for Illinois election jurisdictions interested in adopting the Vote Center model.

• Close proximity to bus routes or other forms of public transportation
• Convenient locations along major local thoroughfares
• Parking should be easily accessible
• Handicapped accessibility must be provided
• Internet connection is required
• Floor plan must be conducive to heavy foot traffic for the entire Early Voting and Election Day period

For Illinois, giving jurisdictions the option of using Vote Centers would align Early Voting with Election Day voting, and would allow election administrators to utilize their resources more effectively. The number of Vote Centers required per registered voter can be modified based on the number of voters in a jurisdiction.

Not all jurisdictions may be suitable for Vote Centers on Election Day, so the addition of this model should begin as an opt-in or pilot program. ICPR is working with the Illinois State Board of Elections and local election jurisdictions to allow counties and cities the option to extend their use of Vote Centers to Election Day.