DeKalb board approves temporary polling-place moves while schools renovate

The DeKalb County Board of Registration and Elections voted unanimously March 13 to approve temporary changes to several polling places after county staff said the schools that host those locations will undergo summer renovations.

Director Smith, the board's executive director, told members the moves are temporary while schools complete work and that Dresden Elementary will be taken off the list permanently because the building is being torn down; its precinct would temporarily move to John Robert Lewis Elementary School while staff identify a permanent replacement. The board also published the first legal notice of the changes the same day and said the second notice will run next week to comply with legal requirements.

The changes affect multiple precincts listed in the board packet and are driven by scheduled summer renovation work at the affected schools. "These are temporary moves; Dresden Elementary is being torn down and will be permanently removed from our complement of sites," Director Smith said during the meeting.

Board member Susan Mater cautioned the public to pay attention to precinct codes rather than only the precinct names, saying longstanding naming quirks cause confusion. "What we all need to pay attention to is the precinct code and the address for holding the election," Mater said. She noted the board must work with the county Board of Commissioners to change precinct names, which is why names and addresses do not always update immediately.

The motion to approve the proposed polling-place changes, as presented by the executive director, was made, seconded and passed on a unanimous voice vote. The board counted all members present in favor.

Staff said they had notified affected poll managers and are checking alternate poll officials and locations as part of election preparations. A map of proposed temporary locations was included in the meeting packet published before the vote.

The board did not take additional action beyond approving the temporary changes; staff said they will return to the board if further modifications or permanent site selections are required.

Votes at a glance - Motion: "Approve the proposed polling place changes as specified by the executive director." Outcome: approved unanimously.

Context and next steps The board's action ensures continuity of polling services for the upcoming election cycle while staff completes outreach and legal notices. Staff said communications about the changes — including legal notices and press releases — will continue so voters know the correct address and precinct code for their polling site.