Glenda Ferguson said she was surprised no one wanted to speak at a recent public hearing on plans to consolidate the county’s voting precincts.

The Dawson County Board of Elections and Voter Registration held the hearing after Ferguson suggested reducing the voting locations from eight to three.

The proposal calls for one site in town, a second on the east side of Ga. 400 and the third outside the Big Canoe community.

Ferguson, who chairs the board, received one call in favor and one against the proposed change.

Added board member Allen Ferg, “I’ve heard no adverse comments to this proposal at all.”

The board is expected to revisit the matter during its Nov. 16 meeting.

The issue emerged after last year’s general election, when more than 68 percent of voters cast early ballots, slashing poll turnout on Election Day.

Ferguson estimates the reduction could save the county more than $32,000 in the 2010 election year.

In addition to cost savings, Ferguson said the board is also considering the convenience for voters, safety of poll workers and suitability of polling places.