Some county polling sites are consolidated
Some Marion County voters will cast their ballots in the Aug. 1 primary at a different location.
According to Marion County Clerk/Election Officer Carol Maggard, a series of major changes in the election process have been mandated.
At least one handicapped accessible voting machine has to be in place by the Aug. 1 election, she said. This is the third in a series of changes with the passing of the Help America Vote Act of 2000.
Handicapped accessible polling sites and a statewide voter registration data base were the first.
Primary factors in determining the locations for polling places were the number of voters in certain precincts, site and board worker costs in those areas, poll site accessibility, and the cost for the specialized voting machines.
"Every effort was made to consolidate with the nearest poll sites," Maggard said. Registered voters also may choose to vote by an advance ballot which is available at the clerk's office. This ballot allows people to vote at home or at the clerk's office prior to election day.
Poll site changes included Ramona Senior Center voters will go to Tampa Senior Center, Lost Springs Elementary to Lincolnville Community Center, Lehigh City Building to Hillsboro City Building, Durham Park Township Hall to Tampa Senior Center, and Marion County Lake Hall to Our Savior Lutheran Church or Emmanuel Baptist Church.
Remaining polling sites will not be affected. Voters affected by the changes will receive a letter of explanation from the clerk.
