The Complexities of Voting in the USA: Why Not Every Precinct Can Function Adequately

The recent surge in voter turnout during the upcoming national election in the United States has highlighted a significant challenge: the adequate allocation of polling stations and volunteers. This issue is multifaceted, involving local election commissions, voting demographics, and the inherent complexities of the election process.

The Shortage of Poll Workers

One major obstacle is the shortage of poll workers. An alarming number of poll workers are over the age of 65, making them particularly vulnerable to the COVID-19 pandemic. This has led to a significant shortage, leaving many polling stations understaffed. To complicate matters further, the number of voters for this election is much higher than in previous years, placing unprecedented strain on already limited resources.

The Local Flaws in Election Administration

While the problem is often portrayed as a national issue, it is predominantly a local one. Across the United States, there are over 10,000 election commissions, with the largest being organized at the county or parish level. These commissions are responsible for organizing polling places and hiring volunteers to staff them, as well as printing and configuring ballots and voting machines.

The complexities of these responsibilities are immense. On election day, voters must decide among candidates for numerous offices at various governmental levels, including proposition referendums. However, it is unlikely that every election official will conduct their duties with stellar neutrality. Additionally, finding competent volunteers to fill these positions has been challenging, particularly in areas where many election workers are retirees. Furthermore, many election commissioners are themselves elected officials, introducing an element of partisanship that can sometimes overshadow the democratic process.

Voter Disparities and Challenges in Voting

The extent of these challenges is evident in the varying voting experiences across different communities. In areas that are known to vote less frequently for the incumbent president and his party, voters often face long waits, leading some to miss work. In contrast, residents of more supportive areas may face minimal wait times and effortless voting processes.

The issue is further complicated by the density of populations in certain areas. For example, in St. Paul, a five-block area may have more people than the entire town in a heavily Republican district. Similarly, a single apartment building in large cities like Chicago or New York can contain hundreds of residents. If there is only one polling place in such a building and only four people can vote at the same time, with each person taking about 15 minutes to vote, you end up with a 19-hour wait time, all while remaining indoors. This scenario highlights the logistical difficulties in distributing polling stations effectively.

There are also instances of voter suppression. A prime example is the requirement to drop off absentee ballots in a single location per county, which can lead to travel issues, especially in large states like Texas. This policy, while well-intentioned, can inadvertently make it more difficult for voters to cast their ballots.

Conclusion

The challenges faced by election officials are numerous and complex, involving both voter demographics and local administrative structures. While some areas function efficiently, others struggle to provide adequate polling places, leading to long waits and sometimes even voter suppression. Addressing these issues requires a coordinated effort at the local, state, and federal levels, ensuring that every citizen has a fair and accessible opportunity to exercise their right to vote.