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Denise Thomas of Longview drops off her ballot at the box in front of the Civic Circle during last year's primary election in August. Greg Ebersole / The Daily News

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Civic Circle needs a bigger ballot box, but will it be an eyesore?

Wednesday, May 14, 2008 11:32 PM PDT

By Stephanie Mathieu

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County elections officials anticipate a whopping 80 percent voter turnout in November’s presidential election — and that could pose big problems if drop boxes located around Longview fill too quickly.

The ballot box of particular concern is the most popular one located at the Civic Center, Cowlitz County Chief Deputy Auditor Amee Paxton said. It nearly overflowed during recent elections, and someone could have easily reached in and taken ballots.

She and other election officials hope to install a box five times larger at the site, but are butting heads with the city’s Historic Preservation Commission members, some of whom think the proposed bigger box would be an eyesore. Some members also think the county should place an additional box on Broadway to draw traffic away from the often-congested Civic Center.

Even if there’s a different drop box close by, voters may still prefer the Civic Center location, election officials argued at the Longview Historic Preservation Commission meeting in January.

“It’s clear in my mind just by the numbers alone the voters have spoken,” Paxton said Wednesday. “We need to make sure those ballots are secure, and we need to do that before the presidential election.”

At the January meeting, elections officials presented a plan for a bigger box, but after much discussion the commission only agreed to another request to make the box more accessible to pedestrians.

Instead of one drop box opening that faces the road, the commission agreed to add an opening behind the box and extend the Civic Center park’s sidewalk to the drop box. That way, it would be wheel chair accessible.

In the meantime, elections officials want to add a second drop box next to the one at the Civic Center until the larger box is installed.

The bigger box would be painted primer gray, just like the current one, Paxton said. She added that last year the commission requested their proposed bright red drop boxes be toned down.

The Civic Circle is among the city’s historic properties, meaning changes to the area often require a “certificate of appropriateness” from the preservation commission.

The drop box is located about 5 feet north of the blue U.S. Post Office boxes along the inside lane of the Civic Circle.

A year ago, the Longview City Council agreed to allow the drop-box at the Civic Center.

During the 2007 primary, 11,000 county voters returned ballots, and about 2,486 — 22 percent — were dropped off in the Civic Center drop-box. In the 2007 general election, 7,800 ballots — 30 percent of the nearly 26,000 returned — were dropped off in the Civic Center drop-box.

The 2007 election year had a 49 percent voter turnout in Cowlitz County. That rate is expected to climb to 80 percent this year. The state primary is Aug. 19 and the general election is Nov. 4.

It takes two elections employees to empty the ballot box because of voter security regulations. During the general election last November, two elections employees had to visit the site up to four times a day to empty the box.

The bigger box has approval from Longview Parks and Recreation Department, but likely won’t get city approval unless the historic commission gives the project the green light, Paxton said.

The proposed larger drop box is 105 cubic inches, about 4 feet tall, 4 feet deep and 3 feet wide. The current ballot box is about 4 feet tall, less than 2 feet deep and 2 feet wide.

“We want something that is aesthetically pleasing and flows with the historical nature of the site,” Longview Historic Preservation Commission Chairman Cam Hanna said Wednesday.

Looking down Washington Way, residents’ views are bombarded with road signs, Hanna said, but the Civic Center is a break from that. It’s “very therapeutic, and it’s very peaceful. That’s why we opted for the smaller box.”

Commission members also said they would like to see such a large box removed when it’s not needed. The current box stays at the Civic Center year round.

“We don’t want a monstrosity that’s only used for a short period of time,” he said.

But Hanna said he has seen a larger drop-box in Portland with a vintage style he thinks would complement the Civic Center. It looks like two classic mailboxes pushed together, he said.

“It’s really kind of a cool looking box,” Hanna said.

Paxton said the mailbox Hanna prefers is twice the price of the model elections officials want to use. Also, if the box was designed to easily be removed by officials, it also could easily be removed by thieves.

Historic preservation meeting

Elections officials will ask Longview Historic Preservation Commission to approve its proposal to place a larger drop box for voter ballots at the Civic Center Thursday at 6 p.m. in the small upstairs conference room at Longview City Hall, 1525 Broadway. The meeting is open to the public.

SFN wrote on May 15, 2008 2:51 AM:

" does the box have to be in place all year long? set up a bigger box a few days before ballots go in the mail and take it down after the election is over. "

MrBee wrote on May 15, 2008 6:19 AM:

" Why make things so complicated! Just pick up the ballots more often. How often is this a problem? Since there is a record of ballot counts from the boxes it should be no problem knowing which boxes need more frequent pickup. "

kmr wrote on May 15, 2008 6:53 AM:

" I want the biggest and brightest ballot box that can be found. I would like it painted with the American flag, presidents faces and something to decpict our freedoms. I'm proud to be an American!! I'm proud to vote! I would love for every American to feel the same. "

Take away the box wrote on May 15, 2008 7:07 AM:

" I agree with SFN. The box is ugly and I'm tired of seeing it all year long. It looks like someone's uncle had extra materials lying around and made us a box. If we have to have something all year long at least make it look nice. Or put it somewhere out of the way. "

curious wrote on May 15, 2008 7:33 AM:

" It says there are other drop boxes around town, why doesn't the artical say where they are? I use the one at the civic center because it's the most well known and easily accessible. "

b wrote on May 15, 2008 7:55 AM:

"
OKAY,OKAY,RESOLVE THE ISSUE OF THE BOXES FOR THE ELECTION,WHATEVER, BUT PLEASE GIVE ME A REASON; WHY CAN'T THE MAIL BOXES BE ONE CAR LINK APART , THEN TWO CARS COULD MAKE A DROP AT THE SAME TIME. IT WORKS SO WELL IN OTHER CITIES,WHY CAN LONGVIEW "GIT W'TH IT"? "

Judy wrote on May 15, 2008 8:46 AM:

" I've witnessed several people drop mail into the ballot box! Put another some place else. "

MrBee is right wrote on May 15, 2008 8:51 AM:

" Just empty the thing. Please do something, Republicans continue to prove that they don't want fair elections. In Indiana the refused 98 year old nuns the right to vote. "

Poor Babies its tough all over wrote on May 15, 2008 9:08 AM:

" During the general election last November, two elections employees had to visit the site up to four times a day to empty the box. Heavens! 4 times a day? They had to do their job? How many elections are there? Couple a year, that's the busy time of year, you'll have to work hard during elections, cosidering you're election employees. For that you get total job security, good pay, retirement, health care and appearently some damned low expectations. Sounds like a great deal for a high school graduate. Can I be an election official?

"

and wrote on May 15, 2008 9:26 AM:

" Yes we need a bigger box to vote for higher taxes, higher gas prices, more restrictions on liberty, and lets not forget socialism dressed up as change. What do you think John Edwards means when he says "One America". Obama has visted 57 states at this point, and believes our Army is worn out because we dont have enough arabic interpreters to go to Afganistan where in fact they dont speak arabic. "

happymom wrote on May 15, 2008 9:49 AM:

" paint it red white and blue and empty it more often...geez how hard is that? "

how can it be wrote on May 15, 2008 10:19 AM:

" that an election box, a symbol of our democratic society, be an eyesore?? You all should be thankful that we still get to chose who will lead this country. "

Wallin wrote on May 15, 2008 10:29 AM:

" The HPC has already once compromised on this issue, the current box is more than an eye sore- it reduced parking and created more traffic hazard. Folks can stick their ballot in the mail box and it will get to the same place. How many boxes should line the park? "

Citizen wrote on May 15, 2008 10:29 AM:

" I say we should send the historic "commission" a message. Tell them they have no right to interfere with our ability to vote. As long as the box is "aesthetically pleasing" they should have no further say. If you can't get the box installed in time, some of the people from the Auditor's office ought to be nearby to ensure protection of the ballots. They could cell phone into the office that it is time to empty the box when it gets full.

Come on now. Lazily sitting in your office is just not the way on that day. "

Hohoho wrote on May 15, 2008 10:31 AM:

" Put in a bigger ballot box. It's inefficient to have elections workers empty it three times a day -- and if it's overflowing, someone could reach in and steal ballots. The current box is ugly because it's primer gray, which the historic preservation group insisted upon so it wouldn't detract from the beauty of the bums who hang out drinking in the middle of the circle. "

wallin wrote on May 15, 2008 10:50 AM:

" Instead of blogging anonymously, why don't you include your name? Or better yet, why not come to the Meeting and express your opinion in a public format? Get engaged. "

Latoya wrote on May 15, 2008 10:54 AM:

" Ask folks to take turns standing by the box and taking the ballots. No problem. "

Pardon Me Am I In America wrote on May 15, 2008 11:01 AM:

" WE LOVE THE RIGHT TO FREELY VOTE! Why is there even a question as to whether or not a ballot box is aesthetically appealing enough to be placed in a centralized location for the voters to access it; and why, pray tell, is there a question of its size?????? Knock, Knock! Is there an American out there? I don't care how huge it is, but it better be big enough to hold ALL THE VOTES! and it should be conspicuous enough that ALL VOTERS can see it! Paint it neon green, orange, pink, yellow or RED WHITE & BLUE and the comments about collecting votes being LESS IMPORTANT THAN PARKING? And an eyesore is more important than the vote? Move, to a country where your vote doesn't count, pal! "

Louie wrote on May 15, 2008 11:27 AM:

" I believe the Historic Preservation Committee has no business whatsoever in putting their 'two cents' worth in on this issue. Put in a bigger box and quit with the 'know it all' attitudes. It is our right to vote with total confidentiality. If ballots can be removed when the box is overstuffed why are you even questioning this.
Paint it in a patriotic theme as others have suggested and there will be no mistaking what it is there for. If there are too many boxes lined up, which I think is a very good point, at that extremely nasty traffic flow area of the civic circle...move it. Duh! Why not put it across from the library? Not many people park there and it would seem a good spot.
As for Mr. Hanna being on the Historic Preservation Committee...have you taken a close look at the building he owns, that has been neglected for years, at the east end of the Allen Street Bridge?...for shame. "

hmmm wrote on May 15, 2008 11:36 AM:

" If you leave the ballot drop off box out all year long, it gives people more time to figure out a way to get into it and steal your ballot or mess with your ballot.
Actually, I'm surprised it hasn't been stolen and the metal sold by now. "

Take a breath wrote on May 15, 2008 11:37 AM:

" When a 'commission' finds its aesthetic taste more important than voters' rights, it's time to step back and rethink the 'commission's' purpose. "

Idea wrote on May 15, 2008 11:38 AM:

" Make the new one look like a giant squirrel! "

Hardfind wrote on May 15, 2008 11:58 AM:

" I had to try to find that sucker,not at the post office? not at the library?Circular file it,I live in Kelso why is it only there? Is there a box at city hall? "

Dill Pickle wrote on May 15, 2008 12:04 PM:

" This box is ugly and not in a good place. I have seen it cause near accidents and is a hazard to drivers. "

Howie wrote on May 15, 2008 12:11 PM:

" Open up polling places again. Or have someone empty the smaller box more often. The elections department is saving a ton of money by closing the polling places they can afford to have someone collect them more often. "

Actually wrote on May 15, 2008 12:13 PM:

" It looks like the box on the circle has been removed. It wasn't there this morning as I drove to work. The one on the Broadway access to the circle is still there. THAT one should go. Find another location for it. IMO. "

Duh.... wrote on May 15, 2008 12:44 PM:

" Take down the one on the circle and install the bigger one a few feet away on Broadway. Problem solved. But that probably makes way too much sense for anyone to consider. "

So stupid wrote on May 15, 2008 12:50 PM:

" I'm amazed how many people think they have a "right" to drop their ballots in the "civic circle". Can someone please point out to me in election law where the "Longview civic circle" is addressed by name?

Get a grip people. As long as it's on an accessible street there are no "rights" being compromised. Heck they don't even need to do this for all you lazy and cheap voters. They could have you either mail them or bring them to the courthouse. You people are just ridiculous and ill-educated. "

washington wrote on May 15, 2008 1:12 PM:

" The civic circle is an eye sore itself, plus a traffic nightmare. why would a different box matter? "

Cactus Ya Ya wrote on May 15, 2008 1:22 PM:

" Why not just have the messiah Obama stand their and personally receive your vote. He claims to be all things, with answers to none -- why not beleive in him for this small problem too? "

rewallin wrote on May 15, 2008 1:26 PM:

" Why don't you use your own name? And did you realize the price of a stamp just went up again? And who does the HPC think they are to say the box is big enough or too ugly? There are Postal boxes there & they're ugly. "

Marianne Chambers - Park Board Member wrote on May 15, 2008 3:18 PM:

" There are a couple of points I'd like to make regarding this issue. No one is trying to limit the ability for someone to vote. Ms Paxton was not quite correct with her statement that the park department gave the green light for a bigger box. The Park Board was presented with three options: 1. a bigger box 2. 2 curbside boxes in the circle & 3. Add another mailbox at another site. The Board discussed different options and per the minutes of that meeting the board made "a motion to approve support of the HPC recommendation and added permission to pursue a larger box in the future." As I was the one that seconded that motion, allow me to give you my reasoning. Time was critical, the Presidential Primary was just a month away, the county does not have enough time or money on election day to send out 2 officials every hour to each of the 6 boxes throughout the county. Also, everyone suspected we would have record turnout - and the circle gets the bulk of it! And personally, I think it's wrong of the state to require me to put a stamp on my ballot I won't pay to vote - so kudos to the county for making these boxes available. Everyone wants the best solution - we just don't know what it is yet. "

re wrote on May 15, 2008 3:40 PM:

" Just empty it once a day or once a week. There can't be that much coming in. "

Funny wrote on May 15, 2008 4:46 PM:

" The whole city is an eyesore....why the big hubaloo over one silly drop-box? "

Howcome wrote on May 15, 2008 5:09 PM:

" Why all the fuss about a ballot box. When gets full someone from the elections office can come and empty it. How about card board ballot boxes at different locations( like inside Fred Meyers) with a election official standing over it. Yep, much better. But then they would have stand there for a period of time, and the voters would have to get out of their cars and walk inside. Probably not a good idea after all.

While I at it, my pet peeve is why is it that we have few drop boxes for mail in this City. We need more drop boxes. The box at Fred Meyers is now picked up at 2p.m. Where else near by is there a drop box? "

No History Lesson wrote on May 15, 2008 5:44 PM:

" What and why does some history group have anything to do with this? This group should have nothing to do with something like this. Creating this kind of bureaucracy is why government pays so much more for everything. "

The gray box isnt ugly wrote on May 15, 2008 5:59 PM:

" ...it's the cheap bright orange cheap sign on top that makes it an eyesore. Don't blame the historic committee for that. "

Wait Wait Weight wrote on May 15, 2008 7:33 PM:

" This is what happens when things run by committee. You cant just have someone empty the box, and have an understanding that not everyone will vote and drop off their mail at the same time. It has to be a complex mix of liberal assualt on the issue, with an answer coming in the form of bigger government, due to the fact of people needing to be hired for this special project. In about three weeks after much debate, TDN will have an article suggesting the cost of the new process exceeding the cost of five typical mail boxes and a small SUV. An engineer will have been brought in, and most likely a consultant suggesting a the better way. The carbon footprint of the project will be estimated, and the bigger box idea will be scrapped, due to revolt from eco freaks calling themself "friends of the old metal box". "

UW PSE wrote on May 15, 2008 8:11 PM:

" A. It's their job to empty it when it needs to be emptied, whether that be four times a day or ten; B. How is a ballot box an eyesore? It's exactly like a mail box, but grey. Paint it like a flag if color is a problem; C. I think Stephanie Mattieu needs to check her math. A 4 foot by 4 foot by 3 foot box isn't 105 cubic inches, it's 82,944 cubic inches. 105 cubic inches isn't even the size of a tissue box. "

KelsoWoman wrote on May 16, 2008 7:04 AM:

" I still didn't see anyone say where the other 5 ballot boxes are. I only know of the one at the civic circle. If we all knew then we wouldn't have to drive into Longview to drop them off. "

twinkle wrote on May 16, 2008 7:40 AM:

" Just Vote!! "

AGL wrote on May 16, 2008 7:46 AM:

" Put the big box there if they don't like it,give the finger signal "

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