COEUR d'ALENE — Kootenai County is proposing boundary changes to eight precincts in the northwest part of Coeur d'Alene and Huetter.

The changes are intended to make the number of registered voters in those areas more even, and to be more convenient for voters at the polls on election days. The affected precincts would be 38, 39, 40, 42, 43, 44, 45 and 51. County commissioners will decide on the proposal at their business meeting on Tuesday at 2 p.m.

"Elections staff has proposed a rebalancing to serve voters more quickly by making registered voter numbers more equitable across the area," said Jim Brannon, county clerk.

If the changes are approved, notification letters will be sent to affected households later this month. About 2,050 registered voters in about 1,100 households would be affected by the boundary changes.

Registered voter numbers in the precincts now range from 628 to 1,999. Under the proposal, the registered voter numbers will range from 883 to 1,573.

"If the commissioners approve, we will implement this change right away, so voters and poll workers have the March and May elections to get comfortable," said Carrie Phillips, county elections manager. "We want to be sure everyone is ready for expected large presidential election turnout in November."

In the last presidential election, more than 8,000 people in Kootenai County registered and voted the same day, creating voter delays in many precincts.

Phillips said the population growth in Precinct 39, which includes the Landings and Hawk's Nest subdivisions, was the main reason for the proposed changes. That precinct currently has 1,999 registered voters and there would be 1,573 if the changes are approved.

"The precinct would still be pretty big, but the number would be better," Phillips said. "Precinct 39 triggered the other changes."

The eastern boundary of the precinct would move from Ramsey Road to North Courcelles Parkway if the changes are approved.

Phillips said the changes may temporarily affect some precinct committee positions, but those elections are in May. She said it would be up to the parties' central committees to decide how to handle situations in the next few months such as if two precinct holders end up in the same precinct with the changes or if one precinct is left without a representative.

Phillips said the boundary changes, if approved, should help voter convenience with parking, wait times and other factors if the number of voters in each precinct are more even.

Voters with questions may call the Elections office at 446-1030. They can also see what precinct they're in now, or later if the changes are approved, at www.kcgov.us/elections.