Poll-place consolidation draws heavy public turnout; commissioners table resolution for more study

The Yellowstone County Board on Aug. 8 opened a public hearing on a pair of resolutions to designate and consolidate polling places after precinct changes tied to redistricting. Elections staff proposed shifting several small precincts into larger sites — reducing the county’s polling places from 14 to 9 — to cut duplication and tighten ballot security.

Kevin Gellan, speaking for the elections office, told commissioners that consolidation would “help us control all of those costs” and argued it would improve ballot security and operational efficiencies. He said election staff plans extensive public-notice efforts, including voter-card mailings and public-service announcements if the board approves changes.

Residents from Shepherd, Huntley Project, Laurel, Lockwood and other communities voiced strong objections during the hearing. Election judges and voters warned that moving polling places into larger centralized sites — sometimes located inside schools — could hinder turnout, create accessibility problems for seniors and voters with disabilities, and limit local convenience. Carrie Beebe, an election judge and Laurel resident, urged the commissioners to reject or limit the consolidation and to send mailers and hold local meetings so affected voters learn about the changes.

Several speakers urged the board to consider alternate local sites and requested more time for outreach; Commissioner Jones asked staff to look again at at least two options (Shepherd Senior Center and a west-end Billings location). After public testimony, Commissioner Jones moved to table adoption of the resolution to Sept. 5, 2023 to allow additional site review and community outreach; the motion passed by voice vote.

The hearing record included turnout figures for the 2022 general election by site (examples provided by staff: Huntley Project 177, Independent 83, Shepherd 203, Metro 2,280, Lockwood 269, Laurel 475), which commissioners and residents said should inform any consolidation decision. Staff said voter notification cards and public-service announcements will be prepared following the board's decision.

The board plans additional review of suggested sites before taking up the polling-place resolution again.