In the past, voting locations have been held in various locations including churches, public buildings, town halls, and private residences. In larger cities, voting took place in multiple locations, often in multiple churches. With increasing urbanization, cities were able to build polling places to make it easier for citizens to vote.
With the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and the subsequent expansion of the voting population in the United States, the need for more accessible voting locations also increased. In response, high school buildings began to be used as polling locations. This shift allowed for more people to be able to exercise their right to vote as high schools tend to be spread throughout the city and are generally easy to access.
High schools continue to be popular voter centers due to the size of these facilities, as well as their availability. They also provide a secure environment since they are often staffed by school personnel and are monitored by local law enforcement. Furthermore, high schools are commonly located in residential areas, which make them more convenient than other potential polling places. Finally, schools may also offer support services, such as translation services or extra resources for those with disabilities.
