Over the last ten years, approximately 20% of polling places across the United States have shut down, a troubling trend identified through a nationwide data investigation by ABC News. This reduction in polling locations has posed significant challenges for vulnerable communities trying to exercise their right to vote, often leading to confusion on Election Day. In Salem City, New Jersey, local organizer Janice Roots has witnessed these challenges firsthand. As she spearheads a get-out-the-vote initiative, Roots focuses on ensuring that both new and existing voters are informed about where they can cast their ballots. Salem City, already grappling with limitations such as being a 'food desert' and a 'media desert,' has seen its polling places halved, dropping from four to just two.
This change has left many residents in remote corners unsure how to reach their polling stations, especially in the absence of public transportation options. Since the 2012 presidential election, voter turnout in Salem City has fallen from 61% to 51% in 2020. The issue, however, extends beyond Salem. In Pennsylvania—a pivotal battleground state—Philadelphia and adjacent counties like Delaware and Montgomery have also experienced a significant decrease in polling sites, with data indicating a reduction of around 25% per capita, while Chester and Bucks counties experienced a decline of just over 10%.
Dr. Kareem Crayton from the Brennan Center for Justice explains that fewer polling places correlate with reduced voter turnout, as there's a lower likelihood of people participating in elections. East Falls resident Robert Rabinowitz testifies to this shift, noting that although he now votes by mail, changes to polling locations were largely communicated through community networks. He recounts his experiences canvassing minority neighborhoods where in-person voting holds communal significance, serving as a social event where neighbors connect and catch up.
The reasons behind the closure of these polling locations remain unclear, as current Salem County election officials, who were not in office during the time of the closures, have not provided explanations. Nevertheless, Roots remains committed to her mission of ensuring voter accessibility and participation, continuing her efforts amid these constraints. For those seeking information about their polling locations, resources are available: New Jersey voters can find details at the NJ state elections website, Pennsylvanians through the state's service portal, and Delaware residents via the iVote platform.
