MT Primary Tuesday Advice: Location, Location, Location

MISSOULA, Mont. - Location, location, location. It's a piece of advice from Montana Conservation Voters for the primary election Tuesday, because of polling station changes and consolidations in some counties in order to save money.

Missoula resident and Montana Conservation Voters board member Robin Saha says every vote counts in primaries for state legislative and county commission elections - which are often decided by just a few votes. But he's concerned that the changes in polling locations could be a barrier for some voters.

"Many of the larger counties in Montana - like Yellowstone, Missoula and Gallatin - have actually reduced the number of their polling places, and so it really makes it harder for folks to get to the polls and know where to go."

Those affected by consolidations should have received a new voter registration card, he says.

Saha was one of dozens of citizens who participated in polling-place consolidation discussions. He teaches at the University of Montana.

"My main concern is that students, people who work two or more jobs, folks with child-care issues, single parents and folks without cars can make it to the polls, under the newly consolidated locations."

Voters with questions about their polling location should contact their county election office, Saha advises, or they may call the Montana Conservation Voters "Voter Rights Hotline," 406-581-8942, or go to www.mtvoters.org.