Taunton Election Commission debates moving two precincts to 30 Olney Street, tables recommendation until February

The Taunton City Election Commission discussed consolidating two polling locations — St. Andrews and Liberty Christian Center — at 30 Olney Street and adding a one-day pop-up early voting site there, but voted to table a formal recommendation to the City Council until the commission’s February meeting.

Staff member Matt told commissioners the city currently has “15 polling locations. We have 16 full precincts and 2 separate precincts,” and that St. Andrews had withdrawn as a polling place because the church is limiting use to church-related functions. Matt presented 30 Olney Street as a return location for both St. Andrews and Liberty Christian Center, saying the site is close (St. Andrews about 0.3 miles, Liberty Christian Center about 0.7 miles) and has features that benefit seniors: “There’s a hundred and 3 apartments for the housing authority on-site,” he said, and the facility was recently renovated to meet ADA standards with improved flooring, lighting and ten handicap parking spots.

Matt said consol…