Politics & Government

Voters May Find Fewer Polling Places in Seminole Heights

The county is scaling back on the number of polling locations and precincts it offers in time for November's presidential election.

Seminole Heights area voters accustomed to reporting to the same poll election after election may be in for a surprise this November.

The Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections office is scaling back on the number of polling locations and precincts it has. The move is being made on the heels of new district lines being drawn for county, state and federal representative seats.

“Redistricting is done every 10 years in accordance with the U.S. Census,” said Travis Abercrombie, spokesman for the Hillsborough elections office. “Legislators determine where the specific districts will be placed, then submit their proposals to the courts for approval. Once approved by the courts, we adjust the precinct lines to conform to the different districts.”

Find out what's happening in Seminole Heightswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Hillsborough’s plan to reduce its number of polling sites and precincts has already met with County Commission approval. It will now go to the U.S. Department of Justice for a final green light.

Abercrombie said a list of sites up for closure won’t be available until a final package for the justice department is put together.

Find out what's happening in Seminole Heightswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

According to The Tampa Tribune, the county is looking at closing 15 polling locations and reducing the number of precincts from 383 to 347.

Abercrombie said the move would save the county an estimated $105,000 in November.

Once changes are finalized, voters will receive new cards that list their current district, precinct, polling place and other election-related information, Abercrombie said.


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