Commissioners debate moving early voting from City Hall to Chestnut Hall

The commission discussed concerns about relocating early voting from City Hall to Chestnut Hall and did not reach a final decision.

One commissioner said the change caused confusion for voters and recommended returning early voting to City Hall, where it traditionally has been held. "I really think that needs to come back to City Hall," the commissioner said, noting the frequency of groups that meet at Chestnut Hall and the difficulty of reserving that room during voting windows.

Other commissioners raised accessibility and security concerns if early voting were held at City Hall during court days and discussed alternatives such as the library, local schools, or the East Room. Commissioners also noted that presidential election cycles generate larger turnout and that permanent changes should be weighed carefully.

Staff said they will follow up to assess options and report back to the commission. No formal motion or vote occurred at the workshop.

What happens next: Staff will investigate potential sites and constraints (accessibility, parking, competing uses) and return recommendations to the commission for a future decision.