Letter to the editor: Poll closure savings don't add up

Letter to the Editor: 

We all know what road is paved with good intentions, and that seems to be the case with the closing of the Farlinville polling location. At first glance, the numbers may look like closing Paris Township’s polling site is a cost-saving move, but a closer look shows otherwise.

Clerk Danielle Souza said, “I’m not taking away the right to vote; I’m being financially minded. Even in a small city/school general election we’re saving $800.” But the county’s own website advertises “Poll Workers Needed” starting at $195 for a full day. That equals roughly $15 an hour, not $7.67 as previously stated. In fact, the decision has increased costs by more than $2,500. That is not saving—it’s spending.

Souza has also claimed there are problems finding poll workers, but Linn County has a dedicated group of election workers, with new ones stepping in every cycle. The real issue is not worker shortages but poor planning and lack of research.

The truth is, poll worker pay—like all county pay rates—is set by Resolution 2025-01 and can only be changed by a new resolution signed by the commission. An appointed clerk shouldn’t promise raises or close polling places without full consideration of the costs and consequences.

Good intentions are not enough. Financial responsibility must be balanced with protecting citizens’ access to the ballot box. This decision was made with a “quick glance” at numbers instead of the careful research and planning our county deserves.

Cheri Nutt

Mound City