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Community members voiced approval for the Colorado County Commissioners Court to seek the implementation of a countywide voting program during a meeting, Monday, Jan. 12.
Under the Countywide Polling Place Program, Colorado County residents will be able to vote in Columbus, Eagle Lake or Weimar during early voting instead of at precinct-specific polling locations. On Election Day, residents can also vote at polling locations at Nada Community Center and in Frelsburg. Colorado County Democratic Party Chair Wayne Lefford echoed the election board’s unanimous recommendation to pursue the program.
“I think that countywide voting is going to help our voting costs down,” Lefford said. “It should be less confusing for the voters that can be able to vote anywhere.”
The program will reduce the county’s 11 polling locations down to three. In previous discussions, officials estimated that the program would reduce the cost of elections to the county. Colorado County Republican Party Chair Tom Kelley said less manpower would be needed.
“I am here to support the countywide voting. Part of that is the fiscally responsible side of me. It would be cheaper for the county,” Kelley said. “If nothing, it would be easier for the voters who can vote whenever, wherever they want to. There’s also a selfish side of it that I won’t have to find so many people to work the polling places.”
Colorado County Judge Ty Prause said the court will have a special meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 21, to formally decide on approving the application to the state in time for its deadline.
Elections Administrator Rebecka LaCourse also asked the court to consider allowing county employees to staff the polls when not busy and receive their standard compensation. The policy would not provide additional pay to county employees unless they went over their standard 40 hours. LaCourse said difficulties with recruitment have prompted this discussion now and in years past.
“It is getting harder and harder to recruit poll workers. Some of that has to do with age, to be quite frank. Another part of that is the rules, the laws. They get more and more complicated, and the more complex they get, it is hard for the average citizen to just step up and step in,” LaCourse said. “…It’s a long day. Not everyone can do a 12-hour day, let alone a 14-hour day because that’s what it ends up by the time you open polls, close polls and fill out your paperwork.”
LaCourse said many of her previous regular poll workers and volunteers have retired often due to old age with many being above 75. She said she wants to increase recruitment of younger poll workers, like students aged 16 and up. Students may receive an excused absence at school for their shift.
“We had quite a few in 2020, and they’re lifetime voters now. I still see them today coming to vote,” La-Course said. “It’s a wonderful program, but we are not recruiting them at the pace we need to be recruiting them.”
The court approved La-Course’s request.
Other business
Precinct 2 Commissioner Ryan Brandt received the court’s approval to construct a new Dowdy Creek Bridge on County Road 215. The project will replace the low-water concrete crossing that connects the Oakridge Ranch community to town. Brandt said the “cantankerous” spot frequently floods and can stay flooded for up to 24 hours.
“That roads services a community, Oakridge Ranch, where there’s 100 plus residents, Brandt said. “If you think about their daily transportation routes, think about services the county provides to them… it makes sense that if the funds are available, which they are in the Precinct 2 fund balance, then that’s a very good county improvement to benefit a large number of the public.”
Brandt estimated the project to cost around $350,000$400,000. The funding will come from Precinct 2 fund balance’s savings of excess funding from previous years. Brandt encouraged for locals and residents to stop by his office or call with any questions.
The court also received gratitude from representatives of various water districts and water supply corporations for the allotment of grant money. Numerous areas were able to install backup generators, water storage tanks and more to support their water systems.
