Keisha Smith presents new precinct boundary changes for DeKalb County elections

The DeKalb County Operations Committee convened on April 1, 2025, to discuss several key issues, primarily focusing on proposed changes to precinct boundaries aimed at improving voter accessibility and aligning with municipal annexations.

The meeting commenced with Keisha Smith, the Director of Voter Registration and Elections, presenting a request for precinct boundary changes. As of the previous day, DeKalb County had nearly 600,000 registered voters across 157 polling locations and 191 precincts. Smith outlined six proposed changes, three of which aim to reduce travel distances for voters, while the other three seek to realign precincts with recent municipal annexations. These adjustments will affect a total of 3,057 voters who will be assigned to new polling places, with an additional 421 voters changing precincts without a new polling location.

One significant change involves the Avondale precinct, which will now include two newly annexed properties, allowing residents to vote alongside the rest of Avondale Estates. Smith also noted that there are plans to update precinct names to eliminate confusion stemming from outdated designations, particularly as polling locations have changed over time.

The committee discussed various precincts, including the Woodward and Cross Keys areas, confirming that these changes are primarily related to annexations and will not disrupt existing voting locations. Smith emphasized the importance of community engagement, stating that town hall meetings and surveys were conducted to gather input from affected voters. A communication campaign is underway to ensure voters are informed about the changes ahead of the upcoming June elections, which will feature a statewide public service commissioner race.

Additionally, Smith addressed concerns regarding the mailing of precinct cards, confirming that a new vendor, Know Ink, is now responsible for printing and mailing these cards directly to voters, streamlining the process.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to keep the community informed and engaged as the county prepares for the upcoming elections, ensuring that all voters are aware of their precinct assignments and any changes that may affect their voting experience.