With the presidential election coming up this year,
primaries and caucuses are in full swing. Voter turnout can be challenging to
predict. Some states see small numbers at the polls while other states are
overwhelmed. Take the Democratic caucus in Colorado for example. Buildings were
at max capacity, forcing hundreds of voters to wait outside to be let in
one-by-one. Some didn’t feel safe in the large overwhelming crowds and left.
Some were even turned away.
When it comes to elections, crowd control needs to be a
priority. Every eligible citizen should have the opportunity to voice their
opinion in the elections, but that becomes difficult when crowd control is
lacking and citizens are unable to cast their vote.
Predicting crowd size is the largest flaw in terms of crowd
control. Unfortunately, there is not much that can be done about it. There are
other steps that polling locations can take to decrease wait times for
citizens, though.
The first step is to set up as many machines as a site can
hold. This allows the entire process to move much more quickly, even if voter
turnout is lower than expected. Another step that can be taken is to bring in
more workers and volunteers to voting sites to help citizens. Individuals often
will arrive to vote who are not registered, or arrive at the wrong polling
location. More staff allows these people to be helped more efficiently. Of
course, keeping crowd control barriers up and visible is incredibly important.
Having the proper signage also lessens confusion and makes the process
smoother.
To avoid extra work on election night, counties should do
their part in educating voters far in
advanced. Information can be made
available in print formats, online, and through media such as radio or the
news. Encouraging residents to register in advanced and find their correct
voting station will make the process much smoother.
Voters themselves can attempt to take steps to beat the
crowds on election days. Voting during an off-peak time can go a long way;
however some polls have a very limited timeframe that voters can work with.
Voting is an American right. Don’t impede on citizen’s
ability to vote. Have a crowd control plan in place to allow everyone’s voices
to be heard.
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