Who chooses the polling locations?
There are 198 precincts currently in Berks County.
According to the Pennsylvania Election Code, full discretionary authority to select polling places is given to the County Board of Elections.
Preference is given to public buildings and public schools under the election code. Other considerations are:
- Parking - when the voting district is large
- Location - sites near the population center of the district are preferred
- Notoriety - polling sites should be well known in the locality
- Security - well lit and safe locations are needed for voters and workers alike
What about precinct boundaries?
Unlike the selection of polling places, the boundaries of an election district or precinct cannot be changed without the consent of the Court of Common Pleas. This is true in the case of splitting, combining or reconfiguring precincts. In addition, all counties in Pennsylvania are precluded by state law from making any change in precinct boundaries until the current lawsuits regarding Congressional redistricting are settled or adjudicated.
