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HomeMy WebLinkAboutElection Administrator (2)AUG 2 7 2009 CITY OF LAUREL ELECTION ADMINISTRATOR Duane Winslow (406) 256-2740 (406) 254-7940 Mayor Ken Olson and Members of the Laurel City Council P.O. Box 35002 Billings, MT 59107 August 26, 2009 Please accept this as formal notification that pursuant to 13-19-203 MCA, I have deterrnuied V? ?- that it is most economically and administratively feasible to conduct the Municipal General election as a mail ballot election. I have attached a document detailing the benefits of conducting an election by mail ballot and past experience has proven this to be true. The 2007 Municipal Election was conducted by mail ballot and in this election the turnout was over 52% as compared to a turnout of only 26% in a comparable election in 2003. Additionally, the cost of the election was less than it would have been with a polling place election. In the November 2008 election, over 50% of the voters in Laurel voted by mail, which clearly indicates their preference. A drop off site will be available at the Laurel High School on Election Day for voters to return their ballots if they choose not to mail the ballots back. A copy of the mail ballot plan and timeline will be provided to you for your information. State law (13-19-204 MCA) does allow you to object to the conduct of your election in this manner. If you choose to object to the election being conducted by mail ballot, you must provide a resolution containing a statement as to why you object to the mail ballot option no later than 55 days prior to the election. If you have no objection to the election being conducted by mail ballot, there is no need to present any sort of resolution. If you would like to discuss this issue or have any questions, I would be more than glad to meet with you at your convenience. Thank you. Sincerely, Duane Winslow Election Administrator Yellowstone County Cc: Mary Embleton, City Clerk/Treasurer WHY MAIL BALLOT ELECTIONS 1. Voter turnout is greater. - City election in last 12 years have averaged 19% 2. Cost is the same or less - With the increase in absentee voting, in a normal election we are in effect running three separate elections, polling place, and absentee and same day. With mail ballots we eliminate much of the cost of the polling place election. 3. Control is greater - With mail ballot, ballots are kept centralized. 4. Voter satisfaction is increased - studies have shown that voters are very happy with elections conducted by mail ballots 5. Greater accessibility for elderly and disabled voters -- No longer do they need to fight long lines, poor parking spots or bad weather. With mail ballots, the ballot is mailed to the voter and they can complete the ballot in the comfort of their home and return it through the mail. .. _ _ 6. With signature verification, integrity is protected. 7. Voter has opportunity to study the issues. - With a polling place election if a voter has a question or does not understand an issue, they often have no resources available to obtain answers to their questions. With mail ballots they have the time to research the issue or contact the candidate and make a truly informed decision. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS As a registered voter, what do I have to do? If your registration is current, your ballot packet will automatically be mailed to you. Inside the packet you will find the ballot, a secrecy envelope and a return envelope. Once you vote the ballot, place it in the secrecy envelope and seal it in the pre-addressed return envelope. Be sure to sign the return envelope on the appropriate line. After verifying that the return envelope has your name and current address, simply return the ballot either by mail or at a designated drop site. When are the ballots mailed to the voters? In Montana, ballots will be mailed any time between the 15th and 25th days before an election. This election we will mail all ballots on the 16u' of October. I will be out of town when ballots are mailed. How do I get a ballot? Absentee ballots are available before the election. You may request an early absentee ballot from your county election official either in person, by mail, or by fax. You will need to include your name, residence address and, if different, your mailing address. Will my vote still count if I forget to put my ballot into the secrecy envelope? Yes, the ballot will still be counted. Can the public watch the election process? All steps of the process are open to observation by the public. The major steps include: • Preparation for mailing (about one month before the election). • Ballot reception and signature verification (during the three weeks before the election). • Opening envelopes and preparing ballots to be counted (usually starts the morning of election) • Counting ballots (election day). When will election results be known? Ballot counting cannot begin until Election Day. Initial results are released at 8pm election night and will continue to be updated through the evening until all ballots have been counted. What if I have more questions? Call the Yellowstone County Elections office at 256-2740 and we will be happy to assist you. Will Late Registration be available? Yes. If a voter misses the regular close of registration, October 90?, they may come into the Election office, register to vote and be issued a ballot. Late registration begins the day after the close of regular registration, cuts off from noon to 5:00 pm the day before the election and then and continues through 8:00 pm on Election night.