Bill > H5517

This bill modifies existing voting district regulations by increasing the maximum number of registered voters that can be served by a single polling place from 3,000 to 3,500. The legislation introduces a new provision that allows existing polling places which exceed the 3,500 voter threshold to continue operating without changes until the next decennial redistricting, but only if the local board unanimously approves and the state board of elections certifies that the polling place can adequately serve voter turnout. The bill maintains previous requirements that voting districts be determined by geographical boundaries, cannot span multiple wards, and must serve at least 500 voters (with exceptions for low-income or elderly residential developments). When establishing polling places, local boards must also consider factors such as accessibility for historically disenfranchised communities, proximity to voter concentrations, public transportation access, equitable distribution, and maximizing voter participation. The act will take effect immediately upon passage, providing local election boards with more flexibility in managing polling place capacity.

Government Affairs, Justice

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