In response to complaints from voters in Greenbrier County, the American Civil Liberties Union of West Virginia (ACLU-WV) will host and moderate a town hall style discussion with community members and elections officials.
The organization has received complaints from at least five voters in recent weeks, ACLU-WV Executive Director Eli Baumwell said.
“The main issue appears to be several precincts and polling locations changing in Greenbrier County,” he said. “People are reporting that rather than having a polling place right down the street, they will now have to travel 20-plus minutes to cast a ballot.”
In a county with a poverty rate double the national average and gas prices surging, Baumwell said the added cost and hassle of getting to a polling place could dissuade some voters and lead to a depressed turnout.
Dialogue is important in maintaining people’s faith in election processes, Baumwell said.
“The ACLU is often known for bringing legal actions on matters affecting voting rights,” Baumwell said, “but in this case it seems like the best thing is for people to get together and talk it out. We want to thank representatives of the Secretary of State’s Office and the Greenbrier County Clerk’s Office for working with us and agreeing to be part of the dialogue.
“We’re hoping not only to have this be a dialogue to address the issues, but also to engage people about knowing their rights as voters and getting people more involved in local politics and the politics of elections,” Baumwell continued.
Secretary of State Chief of Staff Donald “Deak” Kersey will participate in the discussion alongside Greenbrier County Clerk Robin Loudermilk, said Diane Nester, assistant communications director for the West Virginia Secretary of State’s Office.
“Mr. Kersey looks forward to answering any procedural or legal questions concerning the rules and procedures that guide local election officials when designating polling place locations and determining precinct boundaries.”
The town hall discussion is set for 6 p.m. Apr. 14 at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine’s Clingman Center, 218 US-219, Lewisburg, WV.
To check your voter registration status, including your precinct location and number, visit https://apps.sos.wv.gov/Elections/Voter/AmIRegisteredToVote
