Does Polling Place "Plan" Go Far Enough to Fix All the Problems?
Some voters wonder if the polling place plan goes far enough to fix the problems?
Omaha, NE -- Voters in Douglas County are reviewing a plan to reopen some polling places. After input from two citizens groups, Election Commissioner Dave Phipps said many of the proposed sites are more centrally located and closer to bus routes. In all, the plan adds 27-polling places for November.
"I think those numbers really will help voters make sure that they have better polling places, better buildings to go to and make voting more easy and convenient for everyone else," explained Dave Phipps Wednesday.
The plan is on the election commission website and posted at libraries. Now, some voters wonder if the polling place plan goes far enough to fix the problems?
The Douglas County Election Commissioner's proposal to fix all the problems is getting mixed reviews from those voters in north and south Omaha who were hit hardest by his mistakes. Phipps plan has some definite changes like Benson Tower. Residents living there would again vote there. "Well I think that's the way it should be," stated Robert Cureton.
Maurice Douglas couldn't understand why voters there couldn't vote at that polling place, they had to go to another polling site. Maurice said, "He's changed it because of all the uproar and the fact that the Justice Department has been called in and they're doing inquiries and investigations so I think he's back peddling now after it's all said and done but it still caused a lot of confusion."
Other changes are left to voters to decide, like those living at Salem Village Retirement Community. A popular vote will decide where they will cast their choice in November. The choices are between Salem Baptist Church and the Urban League Center. Beverly Fraisier said, "I would say Salem Baptist Church because of the room they have and because it's actually only one block closer."
Some who fought to get these changes say they don't go far enough. Kris J. Pierce works with the Douglas County Democratic Party. He said the changes are a start. "There should probably be more polling places in south Omaha. South Omaha on a per number basis really was the hardest hit and they're already receiving five. We think in our opinion there should probably be three more," explained Pierce.
For the man who walked with Liz Dorland, Ernie Chambers, to show just how hard getting to the polls can be said this about Dave Phipps' proposed plan: "Anything short of re-opening all the polling places is unacceptable to me," said Chambers Wednesday.
Douglas County Democrats told Liz Dorland they still want Governor Dave Heineman to step-in and fire Dave Phipps.
You can voice your opinion on the "Proposed Precinct and Polling Place Changes" at votedouglascounty.com or call (402) 444-VOTE (8683).
Reported By: Liz Dorland, ldorland@action3news.com
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