The Allen County Election Board’s decision to amend its proposal for vote centers is a reminder of how democracy should work. Officials didn’t just bend to the will of the crowd; they listened, weighed concerns and made changes that reflect the seriousness of residents’ input.

The original plan called for reducing 110 precinct polling places to 39 vote centers. That raised legitimate worries about access, especially for residents in southeast Allen County, where limited transportation already makes civic participation more difficult. About 20 people attended last month’s public hearing. Not one supported the 39-center plan.

The board responded by increasing the proposal to 53 vote centers. On Election Day, Allen County residents can vote at any of them, which is a major expansion of fle

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