What's Happening in Butler, PA…

The election expenses incurred by Butler County vary by precinct, and county election officials are hoping for changes to state election laws that will allow them to use those differences to cut expenses.

According to Butler County Election Director Shari Brewer, election reform has the potential to lower the cost of holding elections significantly. The average election costs the county about $222,000 with 89 precincts.

Brewer would like to consolidate some precincts or even allow people the freedom to vote in any precinct in the county. However, Pennsylvania election law dictates that every municipality must have at least one polling place.

For some small municipalities, the expenses incurred are much greater per person and thereby the county could save money by merging them with other precincts. For instance, the cost per voter in the Adams’ precinct is about $5.23; however, in Cherry Valley, with only 40 registered voters, the cost is close to $190 per ballot cast.

Some states allow early voting, voting by mail, and/or “no excuse” absentee ballots; Pennsylvania’s voting laws are more stringent. Brewer hopes to use the figures she has collected to convince state legislators to make the necessary voting reforms so Butler and other counties can save money. Perhaps using brochure printers to present the case for lowering elections costs directly to the public might be a useful alternative.