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Delaware County delays Chester City polling‑place decision; approves Springfield precinct move to high school
Summary
The Delaware County Board of Elections put a proposed move of two Chester City precincts on hold while approving relocation of two Springfield precincts to Springfield High School.
The Delaware County Board of Elections on March 4, 2025 postponed action on proposed polling‑place changes for two Chester City precincts while approving a separate relocation of Springfield precincts to Springfield High School.
Board Chair Priya Bhatia and Director of Elections Michael Allen (director title given in meeting) said the Chester City item was held so staff could complete an evaluation of an alternate site, Hunts Haven, and confirm Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility and other standards before making a recommendation. Jackie Dunn, representing the voting‑machine warehouse team, described recent site‑availability problems in Chester City after a roof failure at the facility that had housed the precincts and said staff had canvassed a number of local buildings for alternatives.
“The barn had a giant hole in the roof,” Jackie Dunn said, explaining why staff temporarily moved voters to the Parkside Firehouse after the 2024 primary. Dunn said staff also tested other options — a Friends meetinghouse, a funeral home, a literacy center and Stetser School — and recently received a petition asking the board to reconsider the Parkside Firehouse location.
The petitioner, Kyle Palmer of Parkside, told the board he submitted a hard copy petition over the weekend asking that the lone Parkside polling place be moved from Parkside Firehouse to another site; staff confirmed the petition arrived too late to appear on the current agenda and said it will be placed on a future agenda for review.
Separately, Jackie Dunn recommended — and the board approved by voice vote — moving Springfield precincts 12 and 13 from the Springfield Municipal Building to Springfield High School for upcoming elections. Dunn said party leaders raised no objections provided voters receive adequate notice. Mr. Allen confirmed staff would handle required notifications to affected voters.
Board members asked staff to return with a formal recommendation on Chester City after the Hunts Haven site evaluation and an ADA accessibility review. Staff said they will consult city leaders in Chester City and report back to the board before any final relocation is scheduled.
