The Head of the McLean County Board says work still needs to be done to adjust to same day voter registration. Students at Illinois State University had wait times of up to three hours on primary Election Day last month. Some left discouraged without voting. County Board Chair John McIntyre said he expects there will be an appropriation request for more staff and equipment.
But, McIntyre defends County Clerk Kathy Michael by recounting a recent talk with the Champaign County Administrator who said the polling places at the U of I had similar issues.
"And I can quote her, 'oh my we had three hour long lines.' She says it's going to take some readjusting for all of us because of the same day voter registration," he said.
Some published reports indicated the waiting times at the U of I were less than at ISU.
McIntyre also said the situation is part of the learning curve for the public not just government about same day voter registration.
"And try to remind the students that if they could get in and vote at different times, it would help, like we all do throughout the community," McIntyre said.
Advocates for students have said that constituency tends to vote when it's convenient for them, just as the rest of the voting public does and that election officials should be prepared for surges.
A special work session of the board's Finance Committee will be held at ISU's Bone Student Center next Tuesday afternoon to discuss election procedures and take student comments.
McIntyre said the County may also have to enhance efforts at pre-registration of student voters before the November contest.
