Voting vote could be last cast at polls

Wed., Sept. 7, 2005

By Amy Cannata amyc@spokesman.com

Voting on voting may be the last ballot Spokane County voters cast at the polls.

Spokane County commissioners in November will ask voters whether the county should switch to an all vote-by-mail system. But they won’t be bound to the results of the advisory vote.

Proponents of voting by mail, like county Auditor Vicky Dalton, say it would save money by eliminating the need for newly required, expensive equipment that would make each polling site accessible to the disabled.

The savings could be used to help the elderly and those with disabilities vote in the days leading up to elections. In the 20 days before an election, county employees would drive a mobile outreach center with special voting equipment to nursing homes and group homes to help those who need assistance casting their ballots.

“Over 57 percent of voters are vote-by-mail or absentee voters, so I think the support is out there,” Dalton said.

Opponents say that voting at the polls is an American tradition that should be preserved. They also argue that vote-by-mail systems are more vulnerable to fraud.

Commissioner Phil Harris said it’s wrong to force people to vote by mail if they choose not to do so.

“I think the auditor is stepping over the line,” he said.

The November general election proposition will ask voters: “Shall the Board of County Commissioners of Spokane County direct the Spokane County Auditor to eliminate poll voting and conduct all primary, special and general elections entirely by mail ballot?”

Dalton is already working out the details to buy the equipment necessary to meet new accessibility requirements at polling places.

She can’t wait until after the advisory vote because it takes 90 days to ensure delivery of the machines. So Dalton is trying to negotiate a cancellation clause that would kick in if voters approve going to an entirely vote-by-mail system, and commissioners go along with the majority.

Leasing the machines – something suggested by commissioners – would cost as much as buying them, she said.

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