For the first time in history, voting in upcoming elections will become centralized for one Johnson County community.

Ahead of the Nov. 5 election, all voters will be able to vote in North Liberty’s new voting center, a Thursday press release issued by Johnson County Auditor Travis Weipert said.

The new center’s polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at South Slope Communications, 980 N. Front St.

The center only requires five to eight workers, while in the past, the six polling places, a minimum of 18 workers were necessary.

Under several changes to Iowa laws, auditors are permitted to combine precincts into vote centers for all nonpartisan elections.

This move is meant to save money as well as accommodate voter convenience, for a complete estimated cost savings between $2,000 to $2,500.

— by Greta Meyle