Changes ahead for local voters

The Flathead County Election Department will implement several changes this year, including consolidating some polling stations and using electronic vote-counters to provide faster results.

The Daily Inter Lake

The Flathead County Election Department will implement several changes this year, including consolidating some polling stations and using electronic vote-counters to provide faster results.

Some of these modifications were mandated by law; others are being done to improve voter service.

Given the unfortunate delays in tabulating the Flathead election results in 2004 - when the final counts weren't available until 3:30 p.m. the following day - one of the more significant changes will be the use of M100 electronic tabulators.

Beginning with the June 6 primary, Election Supervisor Monica Eisenzimer said, each polling station will have its own tabulator. The devices scan paper ballots and alert voters to any discrepancies; they also automatically track votes and print a summary card with that station's election results.

"After the polls close [at 8 p.m.], they'll bring the cards to our office. We'll put them through a card reader and should have the results much faster," Eisenzimer said. "Our goal is to be done by about 10 p.m."

Another significant change, particularly for Kalispell voters, is that several polling stations likely will be consolidated.

"Most people in Kalispell will be voting at the county fairgrounds," Eisenzimer said. "It has better parking facilities and more room to handle people."

Polling stations in other communities around the valley also could be consolidated.

Eisenzimer encouraged anyone who's interested in being an election judge to contact her at 758-5535. The county has a list of regular judges, but given the number of changes taking place this year, she'd like to get more people involved.