Council approves polling‑place adjustments and advances elections contract; one Ward site to be revisited

The council moved forward with several elections‑related agenda items, approving most polling‑place adjustments and advancing a contract with the county elections office for final council action.

Polling locations: staff explained Ward 3A’s former host, Pleasant Grove Missionary Baptist Church, is no longer available and the site was moved to Switzer; council asked staff to explore alternatives, including Marietta Middle School or Maple Avenue locations, and directed staff to return to the council on the specific Ward 3A choice. Two other changes — moving Ward 4B from the Tommy Noble Center (closed) to Liberty Church and moving Ward 6A from Redeemed Christian Church to the Kenyan American Community Church — were accepted and the ordinance with those changes was approved to be advanced; the change to 3A will be brought back for final placement before the fall election.

Board of Elections contract: staff said the county provided an updated contract that clarifies city responsibilities, and that because a statewide election coincides with the city election the county does not expect to charge the city for election services unless a runoff occurs. Council voted to forward the contract to Wednesday for approval.

Why it matters: polling‑place changes affect voter communication and access. Staff confirmed county elections will send revised notice cards if a polling site is changed, and they will post required signage at polling places. Council members sought assurance about public notice and suggested backup options to avoid last‑minute disruptions.

Next steps: staff will return with a recommended Ward 3A alternate site and finalize the county contract and advanced‑voting site designation for the Wednesday agenda.