If Allen County's director of elections has anything to say about it, the number of polling places will be cut by nearly two-thirds – a cut Beth Dlug insists would benefit political parties, voters and taxpayers alike.

Dlug is expected to present today to members of the County Election Board a plan that would replace 146 precinct-specific polling locations with 40 larger “vote centers” open to all registered county voters regardless of address. Although the change would require approval by the state General Assembly – meaning it could not be implemented until next year at the earliest – Dlug said it's not too early to start planning for the day Allen County residents can vote wherever is most convenient for them.

“People would be free to vote anywhere – near where they live, work or shop. You just have to show up,” said Dlug, explaining that proposed electronic voting procedures would prevent the casting of multiple ballots. Although development of the electronic system and other preparations could cost about $90,000, Dlug said the county could save that much in a single election, thanks to the need for fewer voting places and workers. Each poll worker costs the county between $85 and $135 a day, she said.

Allen County is currently divided into 301 precincts, with his or her address determining each resident's voting location.

Dlug said Tippecanoe, Wayne and Cass counties have used vote centers on a trial basis, and have been pleased with the results. “They're devastated they might have to go back to precincts (if the legislature doesn't approve the permanent use of vote centers),” Dlug said.

Although some have expressed concern that the centers might require some residents to travel farther distances to vote, Dlug believes that concern is overcome by the ability of several voters to “car pool” to a single voting location regardless of where they live – an ability that should also simplify political parties' “get out the vote” programs and efforts to place candidate materials at voting places.

Because current voter-turnout patterns are determined by residence, Dlug said the election board and others will try to determine the best location for future vote centers. Public input will also be sought.

Each vote center must have room for at least 20 machines and 50 parking spaces. The electronic machines would be programmed so they can display candidates from any area of the county. The reduction in voting places would allow the election board to hold about 50 poll workers in reserve on Election Day, sending them wherever necessary to meet voter demand.

To get a “head start” on the process, Dlug said she hopes to establish several early-voting satellite locations in 2010, in addition to the early votes accepted at the election board office in the City-County Building.

The election board is also working to make candidates' campaign-finance reports available on the Internet, Dlug said.