Public Hearings Today on Voting Centers

TYLER — Smith County Commissioners hold one more public hearing today to gather community input as the county considers implementing Election Day voting centers in November. According to a news release, the centers would allow residents to vote at any polling location on Election Day instead of being restricted to their precinct. One hearing was held this morning during Commissioners Court; the second one is set for 6:30 p.m. at the R. B. Hubbard Center (The Hub), 304 E. Ferguson. Only one public hearing is required. Following tonight’s session, the elections department will send in its application to participate in the state’s Countywide Polling Location Program.

Commissioner Terry Phillips said he first proposed the idea to county Elections Admininstrator Karen Nelson after hearing about it at a conference. Phillips and Commissioner Cary Nix are voicing support of the idea, saying it would be more convenient. Nelson also likes the proposal, saying it would solve a lot of Election Day problems. Commissioner JoAnn Hampton said it is important to have community input.

The deadline for the secretary of state to approve the proposed plan is Sept. 10, and the county elections department would have to submit an election report detailing the results by Dec. 3. If the state says the election was “successful,” the county could continue to use the program for subsequent elections. Nelson said counties such as Navarro, Rusk, Lubbock, and Grayson have been successful and happy with their voting centers.