February 17, 2022

Dear Commissioners,

We, the undersigned individuals and organizations, support the addition of an early voting location on Charleston's West Side. The Kanawha County Republican Executive Committee is holding up approval of the location citing cost and neutrality.

Chairwoman Tresa Howell said she was concerned about what she claimed was a $50,000 price tag and the neutrality of a location on the West Side. However, Howell’s counterpart on the Democratic Executive Committee, Elaine Harris, pegged the price at just $15,000 for 10 days of early voting – significantly less than the amount cited by Howell. Regardless of the cost, you can't put a price on voting.

Early voting provides convenience and flexibility for everyone. Early voting allows people to cast their votes around their own busy schedules. Early voting also cuts down on Election Day congestion, which seems wise while in a pandemic. Early voting on the West Side, at the Diamond Girl Scout building, would improve accessibility for those with mobility issues and who need convenient parking.

Establishing this additional early voting site will benefit the entire community by providing a convenient, accessible alternative to voting early at the Voter Registration Office, located in the judicial annex of the County Courthouse.

We support the West Side community voting location, and giving all Kanawha County voters more options and opportunities to have their voices heard.

Sincerely,