Some voters still confused over where to vote
Patricia and Jerry Reeves swear they have voted nowhere but at Dothan Utilities for the last 10 or more years. Now, they are surprised to learn their polling place is a hotel on Ross Clark Circle.
“Months ago we received cards in the mail that said our municipal polling place had been changed to a motel, which I thought was odd,” Patricia said. “It said we voted at the Quality Inn at 3053 Ross Clark Circle”
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A few days ago, the Reeves decided to pinpoint the polling place. They couldn’t find a Quality Inn; instead, the hotel had changed its name to the Inn Place, but even that sign was not visible early last week.
“We went and there was no sign, no indication at all that that’s where we were supposed to vote. There was a sheet or something hanging over the hotel sign.”
Her fear is that come Tuesday, voters will drive to where they think they are supposed to vote, find no help in directing them to the right location, and just give up and go home.
Dothan City Clerk Pam McCoy said her office has received numerous calls about where to vote in the July 14 municipal elections, especially because three polling places were relocated this year from schools to other facilities.
“The polling place is different in county, state and federal elections than for municipal elections,” McCoy said. “People in District 5 are voting at The Inn Place hotel banquet room across from Atlanta Bread Company on the Circle. There will be signs and arrows directing voters.”
People voting at The Inn Place previously voted at Honeysuckle Middle School. District 1 voters who used to vote at Northview High School will now vote at Walton Park. District 1 voters previously voting at Carver Middle School, now vote at Eastside Fire Station.
Each commission district has two polling sites. A map at http://www.dothaneagle.com shows the “a” and “b” voting locations.
Because of confusion and a change in personal plans, the Reeves just decided to vote absentee.
“I think, absolutely, there is a sense of confusion about where to vote. I’m in my 70s but there are young people who don’t know where to vote. I feel like there is some general confusion here,” she said.
McCoy said there have been approximately 475 absentee votes cast. They will be counted Tuesday after 5 p.m. in the Dothan City Commission Chambers. They will be counted by machine.
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