I’m going to answer this question and then follow up with an answer to what I perceive as the underlying question, which is why are there lines in some polling places and not at others.

To determine how many polling booths to send to a polling place we start by trying to estimate the voter turnout for that precinct. To do this we consider a number of factors. First, we look at the number of registered voters in the precinct. Second, we examine past voter turnout in that precinct in corresponding elections. Third, we look at the highest voter turnout in any election. Fourth, we look at the growth in the precinct from previous elections. Fifth, we look at what particular factors in that precinct might drive voter turnout up. (For example, a school referendum almost always increases turnout.) Sixth, we look at previous problems or concerns in a precinct that make more booths a wise idea. Seventh, we have to consider the different jurisdictions that vote at the polling place. For example, if a precinct is in three different county board districts it needs at least one polling booth for each of those districts.

After coming up with a reasonable estimate of turnout, we order one booth for every 100 anticipated voters (rounding the figure up), including one accessible polling booth that is available to all voters. We also have some extra booths in our office that we bring to polling places where either our calculations are off, or where other problems have occurred that necessitate more booths. I have posted a chart on our website that shows the ratio of booths to voters in the 117 Champaign County precincts. I have bolded the campus precincts.

Ms. Marshall’s question, which I have received from many other people over the last eight years, probably is more concerned about lines at polling places. After all, no one really cares about how many booths there are if there are no lines at the polling place.

So why the lines?

Let me start by saying that I have rarely seen the number of polling booths be the factor in long lines. I have seen it twice at the “six pack”, City of Champaign 5 and maybe a couple others. It is easy for the casual observer to determine this. Are there long lines of people who have been handed a ballot and are waiting for a booth to open? Or is the line forming prior to the voters reaching the election judges. Other factors, which are less easy to address than the number of polling booths, add much more to the problem of lines.

The experience and ability of the election judges in a precinct is the biggest factor in avoiding lines. The election judges are selected by the political parties, with some input from our office. In selecting those judges, the political parties consider residence in the precinct as well as party loyalty. One of the political parties in particular has sought out attorneys to be election judges, believing that will somehow ensure fairness for their voters.

Unfortunately, the placement of inexperienced attorneys in polling places has added to some of the problems with lines at polling places. Anyone who has served as a judge can tell you that knowing the law is a small part of being a good election judge. Knowing where to find form SBE M_2A is more important to a precinct running smoothly. Experienced judges can respond quickly to 95% of the special circumstances in a precinct. Inexperienced judges often have to refer to their manual or call our office. This takes more time and lengthens lines.

A lack of election judges can cause lines. Our goal is to have at least five judges in every precinct. We try to add two extra judges to some polling places where the number of voters is high. In November, 2004 we had three precincts (one on campus) where we had nine judges. Despite our best efforts, we still often find ourselves short of judges. It is a long day and can be difficult and it is not always easy to find people who are willing to make the sacrifice of their day. This problem happens across the county.

Some judges are just simply faster than others. The most important criteria for a judge is fairness and honesty. The next criteria is that they are thorough and accurate. After meeting those essential criteria, we hope that our judges are able to work quickly but it isn’t always possible. Just as people type at different speeds, people process voters at different speeds. We don’t have a voter processing speed test, and if we did it would still be up to the political parties to replace any given judge. While I am always concerned about lines, I am much more concerned about the integrity of the process. On this point, I think judges in Champaign County do an outstanding job.

There simply are busy times at any polling place. Voters don’t show up at the same rate throughout the day. If you show up at your polling place at 7:30 a.m., you may find a line. It would simply be impossible and impractical to hire as many election judges as it would take to eliminate lines at every polling place at every time of the day.

Sometimes we may not accurately estimate the number of voters going to the precinct. But generally, we have done a good job of making these estimates and the lines that have been formed have been the result of other factors.

Lines at polling places have been the subject of much discussion for many years. In 1992, before I became County Clerk, a Democratic election judge was requiring identification for every voter who showed up at the Skelton Place precinct on campus. In 2000, we had no lines at 6 of the 10 campus precincts. At four of them we had over an hour wait at times. The number of polling booths was an issue in just one of those precincts, and we resolved that by bringing in two additional booths. In November 2004, I believe the problem of lines was virtually eliminated. There were some polling places throughout the county which had up to a half hour wait during their busiest times. We sent extra election judges on election day to some precincts when we saw lines get too long. Only one campus precinct experienced lines that exceeded the norm for polling places throughout the county. I know of at least one other precinct off campus that also had a line exceeding the norm.

We don’t like the lines and we don’t want them. My next post I will tell you some of the innovative ways in which my staff and I have addressed this problem by working with voters and election judges.

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