HomeMy WebLinkAboutA009 - Email to Story County Auditor dated May 31, 2019 - hours of polls RE: election prep
Lucy J. Martin to: Diane R Voss 05/31/2019 10:49 AM
It's cheaper, sure, because you are paying the poll worker for five fewer hours of work. However, the
voters in Ames are used to the precedent of the 7 am opening.
The authority of setting the opening time is mine (Code of Iowa §49.73), but I prefer to go with the
city's chosen preference. If no choice is indicated, I will go with 7 am, based on turnout of previous
similar elections.
From: Diane R Voss<DVoss@city.ames.ia.us>
Sent: Friday, May 31, 2019 10:38 AM
To: Lucy J. Martin <LMartin@storycountyiowa.gov>
Subject: RE: election prep
[External Sender - Please Use Caution]
Lucy:
I looked back and saw that, at least for the past 30 years, we have never deviated from the 7 AM polling
start time.
Does the City Clerk have the authority to set the poll's opening time? I actually prefer Council set that!
I assume the election cost could be affected if the polls are open for fewer hours. Is that correct?
Diane Voss, City Clerk/Records Manager
P. O. Box 811
Ames, Iowa 50010
(515) 239-5105
From: "Lucy J. Martin"<LMartin(a)storycountyiowa.gov>
To: "Diane R Voss"<DVoss(a_)city.ames.ia.us>
Date: 05/31/2019 10:33 AM
Subject: RE:election prep
If it helps,Ames has always opened polls at 7, at least for the last 15 years.
From: Diane R Voss<DVoss@citV.ames.ia.us>
Sent:Thursday, May 30, 2019 5:50 PM
To: Lucy J. Martin<LMartin@storycountViowa.gov>
Subject: Re: election prep
Opening Time for Polls for Special Election
Diane R Voss to: John Haila, Steve Schainker 05/31/2019 11:33 AM
Bcc: Diane R Voss
I researched every Special Election on bond referendums we have had in the past 30 years, and the polls
for all have opened at 7 AM. Also, I have never been asked to establish the opening time, so I looked in
the Iowa Code (Section 49.73); that states that the Commissioner of Elections (County Auditor)will
establish the opening time, so I don't know why we are being asked the question in the first place.
I am assuming the cost would be less if the poll workers are there for fewer hours.
Diane Voss, City Clerk/Records Manager
P. O. Box 811
Ames, Iowa 50010
(515) 239-5105
Re: Opening Time for Polls for Special Election
bLJ Steve Schainker to: Diane R Voss 05/31/2019 12:49 PM
Seems like we should open at 7:00 a.m.
Sent from my Whone using IBM Verse
On May 31, 2019, 12:33:28 PM, DVoss@ city.ames.ia.us wrote:
From: DVoss@city.ames.ia.us
To:jhaila@city.ames.ia.us, SSchainker@city.ames.ia.us
Cc:
Date: May 31, 2019, 12:33:28 PM
Subject: Opening Time for Polls for Special Election
I researched every Special Election on bond referendums we have had in the past 30 years, and the polls
for all have opened at 7 AM. Also, I have never been asked to establish the opening time, so I looked in
the Iowa Code (Section 49.73); that states that the Commissioner of Elections (County Auditor)will
establish the opening time, so I don't know why we are being asked the question in the first place.
I am assuming the cost would be less if the poll workers are there for fewer hours.
Diane Voss, City Clerk/Records Manager
P. O. Box 811
Ames, Iowa 50010
(515) 239-5105