Delaware County files court notices for 46 precinct consolidations; officials say changes aim to improve staffing and reduce costs

Delaware County elections staff filed court notices in late July seeking approval to consolidate 46 pairs/trios of precincts in municipalities across the county, officials told the Board of Elections on Aug. 26. County staff said they posted more than 400 signs in affected communities and are awaiting judicial rulings before bringing final precinct consolidation ordinances back to the board.

The consolidations cover many boroughs and townships including Darby Township, East Lansdowne, Eddystone, Folcroft, Glenolden, Lansdowne, Nether Providence, Prospect Park, Ridley Township, Sharon Hill, Trainer Borough, Chester City and Township, Clifton Heights, Collingdale, Marcus Hook, Norwood, Upland, and Upper Darby. Elections staff said they removed a few pairs from the list after identifying imprecise legal boundary descriptions in older records.

Why it matters: County officials described pressing, recurring difficulties finding and staffing poll-worker panels in small precincts. “Some of these consolidations when they’re combined are still smaller than many other precincts that are operating and have been operating just fine,” Jim Allen, elections staff presenter, said. Officials estimate roughly $100,000 per year in savings on poll-worker panels alone, not including programming, trucking, and warehouse labor.

Next steps: County staff said they will wait for court rulings from the Court of Common Pleas. If some or all consolidations are approved by the courts and by the Department of State, staff expect to implement the easiest dozen or so by this fall, with the remaining consolidations handled between November and February. Staff emphasized they will mail notices to voters in affected precincts, explaining any change in precinct numbering and confirming whether polling locations remain the same.

Operational details: Elections staff said many consolidations are straightforward because pairs already vote at the same physical location; consolidation would reduce duplicated check-in tables and equipment setups. County planners assisted in preparing maps. Officials also noted that many precincts lacked sufficient poll workers during the primary and that municipal and party leaders had asked staff to pursue consolidations.

Board members asked for clear public notice and time for poll-worker recruitment and training; staff said they had posted the legally required notices—about 10 signs per pair of precincts—and had spoken with municipal leaders in several boroughs.