Discuss Polling Locations 

Background: The most recent changes to polling locations are as follows: In 2022, the City made two changes. The first was adding a ninth precinct, W3P3, to accommodate the additional congressional district following the statewide redistricting. The second change was moving W3P2 from Fire #1 to the Public Works Facility. Also, many residents had changes to their precincts in 2022 due to redistricting when the lines were adjusted to even out each ward based on the 2020 census. In 2024, two more changes were made. These included moving W4P1 from Fire #2 to Ramsey Elementary. The second change was moving W2P2 from Independent Baptist Church to Fire #1. Polling places were previously discussed at the September 10, 2024, worksession. At that meeting, there was consensus to change the W2P1 polling location from Central Park to St. Katharine's Drexel Church located at 7633 161st Ave NW.
 
The States recommendation for 2,000 registered voters per polling location has been in place for over a decade and predates changes that have occurred, including no excuse absentee voting and the availability to utilize an electronic roster. The number of voters who cast their vote at their polling location on election day has gone down significantly for four of our precincts and slightly decreased for three precincts since 2012. The one precinct that has increased the number of voters is Ward 1 Precinct 2, that  occurred after the redistricting that took effect in 2022. The first attachment shows the comparison from 2012-2024.   

Percent of Total Votes Cast That Were Absentee:
2016 General Election - 19.5%
2018 General Election - 20.6%
2020 General Election - 53.7%
2022 General Election - 21.8%
2024 General Election - 43.4%

Changing Precinct Lines: 
Ward lines can only be adjusted during redistricting, which takes place every 10 years. The City Council adopted the most recent Redistricting Plan on March 22, 2022. Precinct lines within a Ward can be adjusted, and the process is to submit the changes no later than December 1 in the year prior to the year of the state general election. MS 204B.14

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Staff's recommendation is to change the Ward 2 Precinct 1 polling location from Central Park to St. Katharine's Drexel Church located at 7633 161st Ave NW and re-evaluate polling locations before the next Presidential election.  

To receive direction from the Council regarding polling locations for 2025.