Fountain Valley News - Your Hometown Community Newspaper

Good morning, I hope all are doing super. This week I'd like to remind everyone that is eligible to vote to get their primary ballots cast as well as to highlight a transportation corridor plan.

First, the El Paso County Clerk and Recorder's Office has opened four more Voter Service and Polling Centers (VSPC). All VSPCs will be open through the week 8 a.m.–5 p.m. and on Saturday, June 25, 8 a.m.–1 p.m. It is recommended by the Clerk that only voters who are in need of in-person services should utilize a Voter Service and Polling Center, especially during these busy final days of the election. The primary purposes of a Voter Center are to register new voters, update voter registrations, and issue ballots to voters who did not receive one in the mail.

Voter Centers also offer ADA ballot marking devices for individuals with disabilities. If an individual prefers to vote in person, they may come to a Voter Center, surrender the ballot they received in the mail and be issued another paper ballot to vote and deposit. All ballots, whether mail ballot or voting in person are processed and tabulated in the same method at our centralized facility. A voter also can drop off their completed mail ballot in person at a VSPC.

On June 27, another four VSPCs will open, bringing the total to 9 that will be available through Election Day, June 28. All VSPCs will be open Monday, June 27, 8 a.m.–5 p.m. and Election Day, Tuesday, June 28, from 7 a.m.–7 p.m. El Paso County VSPC locations are determined utilizing a geographic information system (GIS) and strategically placed throughout the county. Over 98 percent of the population live within 10 or 15 minutes from a VSPC or secure 24/7 ballot drop-off box. Remember that your vote is your voice.

Also, in early 2022, El Paso County began the process of updating the Major Transportation Corridors Plan (MTCP). The current 2040 MTCP, adopted in 2016, is the long-range plan focusing on the transportation system, transportation investments, and development coordination in unincorporated El Paso County. To address the dynamic nature of growth and change in the County, the MTCP is regularly updated. The 2045 MTCP will incorporate updated information such as 2020 Census data, updated planning from incorporated areas within the County, and project phasing recommendations. The plan will also address developments in transportation funding, technology, environmental considerations, and vulnerable populations.

El Paso County wants to make sure the recommendations and priorities developed for the 2045 MTCP reflect the values and needs of those who live, work, visit, and recreate in the County. Phase one of public engagement launched on June 15, 2022, and spans four weeks. Community members can learn more and provide input at http://www.2045MTCP.com. Your feedback will help us understand the community's issues, opportunities, and preferences related to transportation. It is anticipated that the Draft 2045 MTCP will be available for public review in mid-2023 and adopted in late 2023. To stay informed about the status of the El Paso County MTCP, be sure to sign up for the 2045 MTCP project email updates and visit our webpage at http://www.2045MTCP.com.

Have a great week.