A public hearing will be held next week to receive input on the proposed relocation of two voting precincts in Russellville.
Under consideration is the consolidation of the Electric Board Warehouse and College Avenue School locations into one central polling place at the A.W. Todd Centre. The precincts would remain independent precincts and each would use half the Todd Centre on election day, according to Franklin County probate judge Barry Moore.
The public hearing is set for next Monday, March 20 at 6 p.m. at the Todd Centre.
“Anyone is welcome, and particularly we want to invite anyone voting at the Electric Board Warehouse or College Avenue School to come,” Moore said.
Moore is preparing to present legislation to move the precincts to Rep. Johnny Mack Morrow for introduction as a local bill in the Alabama Legislature.
Moore said concerns from voters at the two locations led to the proposed change.
“At College Avenue, there are lighting issues, and there’s traffic issues getting in and out,” Moore said. “At the Electric Board Warehouse, the board has been very cooperative with us, but there’s a lot of traffic on South Jackson where voters pull off to park. Also, the board has to keep their facility locked, and it’s often a long walk from where you park to where you go in, so this will be more accomodating.
“The Todd Centre was an obvious choice with good parking and lighting, and it’s handicapped-accessible.”
Moore said the changes would not apply to Russellville municipal elections but only to county elections.
“We encourage everyone to come share their opinions, and we’ll explain what we’re trying to do on March 20,” Moore said.
