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<br />2.... <br />,) <br /> <br />TUESDAY <br /> <br />FEBRUARY 12, 1974 <br /> <br />respective precincts it was their view that there would be no speed up in the voting process, <br /> <br />.- <br /> <br />but the opposite situation would prevail. Others expressed the view that neither of the <br /> <br />existing precincts is very desirable, particularly as to the lack of space at the former <br /> <br />elementary school which is now operated by the City Welfare Department as a Day Care Center. <br /> <br />Mr. J. B. Travis requested that the two precincts be divided into three, with the third <br /> <br />polling place being in the vicinity of Pine Hall Road, rather than a reduction of the two <br /> <br />precincts to one. Councilman Hobson concurred in the expressions of concern and in the <br /> <br />belief that the proposed consolidation would have a negative effect, especially the delay in <br /> <br />processing voters through the lines to the machines. All three members of the Electoral <br /> <br />Board were present, and each expressed the background for and reasoning behind the <br /> <br />recommended changes, and the three Board members expressed the strong view that there <br /> <br />would be no delays, and that the voting process would be enhanced rather than hindered, <br /> <br />if their recommendations were to be carried out. The Board also stressed that, while <br /> <br />consolidation of voting precincts would require less money to pay election officials and <br /> <br />other expenses, economic considerations were secondary in their arrival at their suggestions <br /> <br />for change. The City Attorney reminded those present that even if City Council accepts the <br /> <br />recommendation of the Electoral Board the proposed changes would be subject to ratification <br /> <br />by the United States Department of Justice. Mayor West stated his wish for heavy voter <br /> <br />turn-outs at all elections and alluded to the new law which permits precincts to have as <br /> <br />many as 5,000 voters as compared to the various number of voters in the proposal for <br /> <br />realignment of the City precincts. He also noted his strong opinion that those who have <br /> <br />a desire to vote would do so, no matter where the polls might be located. Motion was made <br /> <br />by Mr. Lester, seconded by Mr. Boaz, that the Council accept the recommendation of the <br /> <br />Electoral Board and that the City realign the voting precincts from ten to five. In the <br /> <br />discussion of the motion, Councilman Hobson moved that the number of precincts be reduced <br /> <br />from ten to six, by maintaining the existing first and sixth precincts, with consolidation <br /> <br />to take place as otherwise recommended by the Electoral Board; however, this substitute motion <br />