Polk County Opens New Des Moines Election Office With Enhanced Security

Polk County has opened a new election office in Des Moines at the River Place building on Euclid Avenue, replacing the old downtown location. The new office offers more space for in-person voting, improved parking, and better accessibility via public transit and bike trails, addressing previous issues with long lines and limited parking. It features enhanced security measures, including a fireproof room for ballot storage and a ballot drop box that directly deposits ballots into this secure area. The move was motivated by the old building's structural problems and high repair costs, with the new site costing about half as much to renovate, saving taxpayers over $500,000. County officials emphasized the importance of maintaining election integrity and providing a better experience for voters, especially in light of a recent reduction in Iowa's early voting period. The new facility was officially unveiled at a ribbon-cutting ceremony, highlighting the county's commitment to efficient and secure elections.