Board weighs second polling site and digital poll books for May budget vote
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Summary
Board members debated adding a second polling site and adopting a digital poll‑book for the May budget vote. Options presented: status quo paper poll book (~$17,000), a digital sign‑in approach budgeted (~$47,800) and an incremental ~$10,300 to add a second location; members split on cost, equity, data value and logistical impacts.
Board member John briefed the board on options for the May budget vote: continuing with paper poll books and the status‑quo cost (around $17,000), adopting an electronic sign‑in/poll‑book workflow (budgeted at roughly $47,800 including contingency for a second vote), and adding a second in‑district polling location (incremental cost estimated around $10,300 plus any rental fee if an off‑site location is used).
John said the district has budgeted for the digital option and noted the technology is aidable (the district would receive reimbursement after the year); he also emphasized logistical constraints such as Wi‑Fi and rental costs if the district uses an outside venue. Board members discussed tradeoffs: proponents argued digital poll books reduce poll‑worker needs, provide real‑time turnout data and allow voters to use either site; opponents raised concerns about cost, data privacy and the modest risk of potential misuse of voter lists. Christian urged the board not to let turnout‑modeling determine the process and said the analog process is legally sufficient under education law; he also warned against buying costly technology that may not improve fairness.
Several board members favored two polling sites with either analog or digital sign‑in, and others preferred keeping a single site but adding outreach. The board asked staff to obtain legal guidance on notification requirements and to return with location feasibility (impact on parking, building use, and Wi‑Fi) so a resolution can be prepared and a final decision made at the next meeting.