BonnerSprings.com

In an election year predicted to yield one of the highest voter turnouts in years, the Wyandotte County Election Office is taking no chances.

Bruce Newby, Wyandotte County election commissioner, said he is making adjustments this year that will help the county’s 64 polling sites run as smoothly as ever, despite any voter increases that may occur.

“We’re in the process of recruiting additional election workers to handle the volume we anticipate will show up. I wish I had a crystal ball. I’m predicting it will top about 80 percent,” Newby said of the average voter turnout he expects to see countywide.

Newby said during every presidential election he sees a jump in voter participation. For last year’s election, Newby staffed 450 people to work the polls. This year, he’s hoping to get as many as 600 workers.

“Every presidential election is probably the highest number of voters that will turn out to vote,” he said. “I wish voters would turn out to every election. But there is something about the presidential election that captures people’s imagination and gets people to turn out.”

For most years, Newby said voter turnout usually ranges from 49 to 90 percent, depending on the individual precinct, with a countywide average of 70 percent. He said so far he’s gotten close to his 600-worker goal through his recruiting efforts, but he said he’s not stopping any time soon.

“It certainly doesn’t hurt to have people at polling places to assist voters,” he said, adding that usually the week before an election some scheduled workers have to drop out because of unexpected issues. “What we’re doing right now is overbooking each of the polling places to ensure each one of the precincts will have an adequate number of workers come Election Day.”

Newby said he doesn’t anticipate any problems come Nov. 4, and that voters should find the voting equipment and resources in top shape.

If you are interested in becoming a poll worker, Newby suggested submitting an application as soon as possible to allow plenty of time to complete the required training program. The Election Office Web site at wycokck.org/election offers downloadable and printable poll worker applications and advanced ballot information, as well as voter-registration forms.

The deadline to register to vote in the Nov. 4 election is Oct. 20, and registration is available at the city halls of Bonner Springs, 205 E. Second St.; Edwardsville, 690 S. Fourth St.; and Kansas City, Kan., 701 N. Seventh St.; at the Bonner Springs Library, 200 E. Third St.; at the Election Office, 850 State Ave.; Kansas Driver's license offices, and most high schools. Mailed voter registration forms must be postmarked by Oct. 20.

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