It’s becoming harder to come up with an excuse not to vote.
First, Arizona voters approved an initiative allowing vote-by-mail elections, and now Yavapai County changed its polling location requirements.
For past elections not eligible for mail-in ballot voting, residents were assigned a polling location based on where they live.
Voters had to vote at a certain location during a set time frame.
The hours were extended to allow for early morning and evening voting, but it was still tough on some working individuals to make it to their specific polling places.
This year, during the Presidential Preference Election, the county tried something new to make it easier for residents to cast their votes.
The new system incorporates voting centers across the county, which means voters could cast a ballot at any of the locations.
There were eight locations in Sedona and the Verde Valley where residents could vote Tuesday, Feb. 28.
Based on how it went Tuesday, the county will consider using this model for future elections.
The system allows a Camp Verde or Sedona resident who works in Cottonwood to vote at the Clarkdale Baptist Church, Cottonwood-Oak Creek School District administrative office, First Southern Baptist Church or Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.
If a Cottonwood or Camp Verde resident works in Sedona, he or she can vote at the Church of Christ or Oakcreek Country Club.
With the accommodations offered by our state and county for voting, there really isn’t any reason voter turnout shouldn’t be higher.
Government agencies are making it as easy as possible for us to vote.
When a mail-in ballot arrives, fill it out and return it.
When it’s time to hit the polling places, head to a voting center during your lunch break.
Be engaged and involved in the process. It’s easier than ever.
