Feasibility Study Accepted by Council
By Robin Vinci | Editor at March 25, 2024 | 10:00 am | Print
A controversial feasibility study on the status of City voting districts and polling places was approved by the Council, but no action took place.
The study, by Registrars of Voters Peter Gostin (R) and Juan Verdu (D), gathered all the expenses associated with every voting district. New Britain was found to have the highest average number of polling places per square mile and the lowest number of voters per polling locations in comparison with other municipalities.
The five highest cost voting districts are the State Armory, Generale Ameglio Society Hall, Pulaski School, Vance School and St. Francis Church Hall.
The lowest ranking location by number of voters are Gaffney School, School Apartments, State Armory, Senior Center, Graham Apartments and St. Francis Church Hall.
Of these six polling places Gafffey has 477 voters, School Apartments 180 and Graham Apartments 240.
The highest costs for the election is $5,765 at the Armory and $4,146 at St. Francis Church Hall.
Of the 17 polling locations consolidation may be considered at Vance School, State Amory, School Apartments, Graham Apartments and Holmes School. The merging of these districts with others would save the City nearly $18,000.
Some ideas given were that a less expensive option be give for the State Armory perhaps Angelico’s Restaurant or St. John’s Church. School Apartments could move to the Senior Center as well as Graham Apartments. Smalley School would also be available for those from the Graham Apartments.
The Human Resource Agency, due to limited parking, could be moved to Holy Cross Church or the new Crystal Ballroom.
Several other areas could be consolidated.
In summary the study stated, “whatever determinations of the Common Council end up being, we recommend that any actions to merge, consolidate and/or move district lines and polling locations should be delayed until the 2017 election cycle, after this year’s presidential election. The possible confusion that might be borne of such changes would best be implemented in a municipal election year when the lowest voter turnout occurs.”
