COEUR d'ALENE - It might seem like ages since the Kootenai County commissioners voted to trim the number of precincts from 71 to 70 in January, adjusting to legislative redistricting.

That's because so much happened afterward: The state Supreme Court ordered new redistricting, so the commissioners had to rearrange the precincts again, but with careful timing to avoid affecting polling locations for the March school levy elections.

Well, guess what?

We're finally back to 70.

The county commissioners voted unanimously at their Tuesday business meeting to adopt the new 70 precincts, tweaked to accommodate the readjusted legislative districts.

Although the commissioners had approved the 70 precinct map in February, they chose to adopt it after the March school district levy elections.

"I was very impressed with the way the clerk's office was quick to respond and manage what was potentially a very confusing situation," said Commissioner Dan Green after the vote. "I'm glad it's done. My hat's off to Clerk Hayes' office."

Kootenai County residents wondering how the new precinct map will affect them will find out in mailings being sent out by the county Elections Office, said Carrie Phillips, elections manager.

"On a daily basis, we've been sending out like 6,000 letters at a time," Phillips said.

The mailers will indicate if registered voters have a new precinct, legislative district or polling place, she said.

"Some have all three, some have one, it depends on their address and what can affect them," Phillips said.

Some precincts were renumbered after the county eliminated one and combined precincts 62 and 68, she said.

Some polling locations were also changed because of issues like fees or parking, Phillips added.

Only one voter voiced concern at the commissioners' meeting on Tuesday.

Tony Kastella of Dalton Gardens said he worried about precinct 22's new polling station at the Church of Christ, which houses a day care and preschool.

"That's a safety issue," Kastella said of kids crossing the street while voters create traffic.

Commissioner Todd Tondee said at this point, the county will monitor the situation.

"That's one thing we can watch this year, if there is an issue," Tondee said.