Councilman Hardy Proposes Easier Access to Polls for Payson Voters

Does having only one polling place in Payson contribute to a loss of voter participation?  The question arose last week when Councilman Mike Hardy suggested that the city pursue an analysis to determine if limited access to ballot boxes is keeping some residents from the polls.

In years past there have been at least three polling places at various locations within the city. Today there is only one.

Councilman Hardy expressed his hope for a shift in a current trend, one that is showing fewer people at the polls, by making access to voting easier.  “I think we owe it to the voters,” he said.

Although it is likely too late for this year’s election, Councilman Hardy remarked that he would like to see the analysis be pursued--and soon--to determine whether additional voting places could lead to higher turnouts.

For now, registered voters can plan on casting their ballots in both the August 11 primary and November 3 municipal elections at the Banquet Hall of Payson City Center.  A resolution was passed last Wednesday by city council members approving it as the sole voting place this election year.