Bill on school safety, polling places introduced in committee
BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — A bill introduced in House Education committee Thursday morning would require that schools used as polling places not have classes on Election Day.
Rep. Greg Lanting (R-Twin Falls) is the sponsor. He says it's to keep students safe.
House Education Committee chairman Julie Yamamoto (R-Caldwell) pointed out her county -- Canyon County -- has had trouble finding enough ADA compliant polling places. so sometimes schools are the only option.
If passed, schools would have enough time to adjust their calendars, Lanting said.
Lanting, who was once a middle school principal, says their gym was the polling place for the town.
"Twice a year we just threw the place wide open and everybody in the community came in and we didn't ever have any problems but the possibility was always there," he said. "Twin Falls County, where I'm from no longer uses schools. They've been able to find enough other locations - find fire stations and whatever they may be to hold the election, but not every county, not every area has that ability. Sometimes the school is the only available polling spot."
The bill could get a public hearing soon.
