Erie Council approves polling location change to Strong Vincent Middle School
March 14, 2025 | Erie County, Pennsylvania
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The Erie County Board of Elections convened on March 13, 2025, to address several key agenda items, including the approval of previous meeting minutes and changes to polling locations.
The meeting commenced with a motion to approve the minutes from the prior gathering, which was unanimously accepted by the board members present. Following this, the board moved on to discuss the election report, specifically focusing on the relocation of polling places.
The first significant item addressed was the change of polling locations for Erie Ward 4 District 6 and District 7. The board voted to move these polling places from the Saint Andrews Parish Chapel Building to Strong Vincent Middle School. The decision was prompted by the closure of the parish building by the Catholic Diocese, which is leasing out the property, rendering it unavailable for future elections.
Next on the agenda was the potential authorization of county funds to cover postage for mail-in and absentee ballots. A board member expressed strong support for this initiative, likening any costs incurred by voters to exercise their right to vote to a poll tax. The discussion highlighted the importance of ensuring that all voters have access to mail-in voting without financial barriers. It was noted that while the election integrity grant covers outgoing postage, the county would be responsible for return postage.
The board discussed the financial implications of this decision, referencing past elections where a significant number of mail-in ballots were returned. Members debated the necessity of covering return postage, with some arguing that voters should bear the cost of their own stamps. However, it was confirmed that budget provisions were in place to accommodate the postage expenses.
The meeting concluded with a consensus on the importance of facilitating voter participation through accessible mail-in voting options, while also considering the financial responsibilities of both the county and the voters. Further discussions on the budget and the specifics of the postage costs are expected in future meetings.
The meeting commenced with a motion to approve the minutes from the prior gathering, which was unanimously accepted by the board members present. Following this, the board moved on to discuss the election report, specifically focusing on the relocation of polling places.
The first significant item addressed was the change of polling locations for Erie Ward 4 District 6 and District 7. The board voted to move these polling places from the Saint Andrews Parish Chapel Building to Strong Vincent Middle School. The decision was prompted by the closure of the parish building by the Catholic Diocese, which is leasing out the property, rendering it unavailable for future elections.
Next on the agenda was the potential authorization of county funds to cover postage for mail-in and absentee ballots. A board member expressed strong support for this initiative, likening any costs incurred by voters to exercise their right to vote to a poll tax. The discussion highlighted the importance of ensuring that all voters have access to mail-in voting without financial barriers. It was noted that while the election integrity grant covers outgoing postage, the county would be responsible for return postage.
The board discussed the financial implications of this decision, referencing past elections where a significant number of mail-in ballots were returned. Members debated the necessity of covering return postage, with some arguing that voters should bear the cost of their own stamps. However, it was confirmed that budget provisions were in place to accommodate the postage expenses.
The meeting concluded with a consensus on the importance of facilitating voter participation through accessible mail-in voting options, while also considering the financial responsibilities of both the county and the voters. Further discussions on the budget and the specifics of the postage costs are expected in future meetings.
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