ADA COUNTY, Idaho — The countdown to Election Day is on - where a record number of Idahoans are expected to pack the polls.
In an effort to make voting easier for residents, Ada County Elections is bringing the polls to the people.
In addition to six early voting locations that will be set up in mid-October, Ada County's Mobile Voting Unit will be heading to high-traffic areas in Meridian, Boise, Garden City and Star in the weeks leading up to the election, making sure a chance to vote is within reach for anyone who needs it.
"We try to meet voters where they are and get them the resources that they need to be able to cast their vote ahead of Election Day, if they choose," Ada County Elections Public Information Officer Nicole Camarda said.
Residents can vote – or register to vote – at the Mobile Voting Unit, which was created ahead of the 2016 election. The Mobile Voting Unit has the same voting process, machines and vote tabulation as any traditional voting location.
The Mobile Voting Unit aims to make voting more accessible for residents who may have mobility issues or are unable to get out while offering a faster in-person experience.
"Being able to send out our Mobile Voting Unit just gives people another option, through early voting, to cast their vote ahead of Election Day, and not have to potentially wait in long lines," Camarda said. "Especially with a presidential election, we're going to see a huge turnout."
The Mobile Voting Unit will operate weekdays between Oct. 15 and Nov. 1 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the following locations:
- Oct. 15 - Rocky Mountain High School
- Oct. 16 - Lake Hazel Library
- Oct. 17 - Lake Hazel Library
- Oct. 18 - Hidden Springs Elementary School
- Oct. 21 - Garden City Library
- Oct. 22 - Garden City Library
- Oct. 23 - BSU Student Union
- Oct. 24 - BSU Student Union
- Oct. 25 - Orchard Park Library
- Oct. 28 - Orchard Park Library
- Oct. 29 - Garden City Library
- Oct. 30 - Star Library
- Oct. 31 - Star Library
- Nov. 1 - Star Library
Ada County Elections expects almost 3,000 residents to utilize the Mobile Voting Unit this election.