Vote "No" for Poor Crowd Control

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.

Election Time

 It is election time, and soon there will be lines of people waiting to cast their important vote. The one downside to voting? The crowds. Today we’re going to give advice to try and beat the crowds on election

day.

First off, go early if you can. A lot of people head to the polls right after work, and lines will be long. Plus, who wants to stand in a long line right after they got off work? Consider building time into your schedule to go before work. Lunch breaks are another peak time at the polls so we suggest avoiding then as well, unless you happen to take an early or late lunch.

If you do not have a traditional 9-5 job, this puts you in a great position for voting. You can choose any time of the day to go in. Late morning and early afternoon will have smaller crowds as many people will be at work, decreasing your wait time.

If you do get stuck waiting in a long line, follow instructions. Switching lines or allowing different lines to intersect will only make the process take longer. Just be a little patient until it is your turn.

Even though the crowds aren’t fun, don’t use that as a reason to not vote! It’s an important right as an American to have a voice in who is elected. So get out to the polls and cast your vote next week!