Students, Mason officials agree to keep polling location at University Hall for coming year

The university and students explored options for a new polling location after concerns were raised about moving it to Mason Hall (photo courtesy of Fairfax County).

After an hour long discussion between students and George Mason University officials, both parties agreed to keep the on-campus polling location at University Hall for another year.

“I don’t feel like we have enough information to make a different decision than one we have at this point,” said Rose Pascarell, vice president of University Life, at the March 29 meeting. “I think this needs to stay at University Hall for the next year until we have enough information for a reliable alternative.”

Mason was required to make a decision by April 1, so that the Virginia State Board of Elections was allowed enough time to review the change.

After the 2011 election, Mason requested that the University Precinct polling location be moved from University Hall to Mason Hall, citing faculty concerns that classes had to be moved in order for a polling location to be established. At a Fairfax County public hearing on March 19, the board of supervisors decided to postpone a decision after students protested the move.

Both parties explored several options for a polling location that would encourage student voter turnout without disturbing ongoing classes.

“Our concerns are about those students being inconvenienced,” said Tim Murphy, director of Classroom and Lab Technologies.

Federal and state law requires polling locations to be accessible to parking and persons with disabilities. Due to time constraints, both parties agreed to keep the polling location at University Hall with the understanding that alternative locations will be more thoroughly reviewed in the coming year.

As of March, two elections will be held in 2013, including a state-level primary and general elections.