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Residents and election officials warn of polling confusion, ADA access problems ahead of general election
Summary
Speakers at the May 6 Jackson City Council meeting urged the city to improve voter information, provide electronic poll books and ensure ADA accessibility at precincts after low primary turnout and redirected precincts left some voters confused or unable to access polling sites.
Jacqueline Amos, chair of Mississippi's Second Congressional District, told the Jackson City Council on May 6 that the recent redistricting left many voters unaware their precincts changed and urged the city to deploy electronic poll books for the general election.
"If it is at all possible, if you all would consider getting with ES and S to help make this general election a lot smoother," Amos said, referring to the elections equipment vendor. She said poll workers spent considerable time looking up polling locations and that voters often left when they could not find their polling place.
Amos said turnout in the recent primary was about 22 percent and said the city's lack of on-site electronic lookup tools contributed to lost votes. She also raised ADA concerns after a voter in one precinct could not get a wheelchair up a narrow ramp. Municipal Clerk Angela Harris replied that the city uses county ramps and that she would pursue a wider ramp at the precinct reported to be inaccessible.
Council members asked for clarification on curbside voting. Harris said the city does not provide electronic machines for curbside voting; poll managers collect information and return to process curbside ballots. She added the city has in-precinct "express vote" equipment for voters with disabilities.
Council members asked the clerk and election staff to meet with Amos and county partners to improve precinct signage, confirm ADA access at polling places and evaluate whether additional electronic poll books can be deployed for the general election.
The discussion followed multiple public comments and council questions about polling locations and the accessibility of precinct sites under new district lines.
No ordinance or formal directive was adopted during the discussion; council members asked staff to follow up and report back.
