The Common Council met 01/18/2023 and unanimously approved the relocation of the District 12 polling place from St. John’s Church in District 12 to St. Pius Church in District 6.
This item specifically as well as some of the issues in finding polling places and assigning them to districts were discussed thoroughly during the Safety and Licensing Committee meeting on 01/11/2023.
The Council did not spend a lot of time on it before approving it, but there was some discussion. I’ve prepared a transcription for your downloading pleasure.
Alderperson Nate Wolff (District 12) supported the resolution but, as the alderperson for the district, also felt it was his responsibility to voice the feedback and concerns he had received from his constituents, much of which was gathered from comments on a Facebook post.
- Some were concerned about the use of churches as polling places.
- Some were concerned with using schools as polling places.
- There was frustration that the new polling place being outside of the district’s boundaries.
Alderperson Denise Fenton (District 6) said she also had heard from her constituents. She referenced the detailed explanation Clerk Kami Lynch had given during the Safety and Licensing Committee meeting regarding how polling places were located. Although she was disappointed that the St. Pius location in District 6 would be used for District 12 residents, while District 6 residents would continue to vote at a polling place in District 14, she accepted the situation and would vote in favor of the item.
Alderperson Vered Meltzer (District 2) spoke generally to the public. “I’d like to take this opportunity to remind the public and just to mention again that we can’t compel anyone to be a polling place. The more polling places a community has, the better. If you’re out there, and you’re qualified to be a polling place, and you’re interested, please let us know. The more polling places we have, the more accessibility there is.”
The Council voted 15-0 to approve the new District 12 polling location.
View full meeting details and video here: https://cityofappleton.legistar.com/MeetingDetail.aspx?ID=1064887&GUID=5B72C5D0-B0E5-4C3E-80CC-12C411D6B617
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