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Leominster council approves consolidation of two precincts amid concerns about parking and access
Summary
The Leominster City Council voted 7–1 on July 13 to move two election precincts — 5C to the City Hall auditorium and 4A to the Veterans Center — after debate over parking, accessibility and language access; the clerk will mail notices and coordinate ADA checks and on-site staffing for the transition.
The Leominster City Council voted 7–1 on July 13 to consolidate two election precincts — moving precinct 5C from the First Baptist Church to the City Hall auditorium and precinct 4A from the Senior Citizens Center to the Leominster Veterans Center.
Councilors spent the public hearing pressing city staff and the clerk’s office for implementation details, including how voters would be notified and whether signage and personnel would be posted at the old locations during the first election to direct voters.
"I don't want to make it harder for people to vote," said Councilor Shalfo Zephyr, who opposed the measure and warned that longer lines and parking difficulties could discourage turnout. Several other councilors said the plan could work if the clerk coordinates strong outreach and onsite assistance during the transition.
Councilor Laddio Romero pressed for language-access assurances, noting federal obligations: "I just want to make sure because under the Voting Rights Act, Leominster is required to have someone that can communicate in Spanish with anyone on the same level." The council was told the clerk will ensure materials are mailed in both English and Spanish and that the state system generates the mailing extract for the affected voters.
City Clerk Elizabeth Doyren told councilors she had measured the proposed spaces and that the auditorium met capacity and ADA requirements; she said she would request state inspections where required and would work with poll‑workers, wardens and the mayor's office on staffing and signage. Councilors also discussed posting staff at former polling places for one or more elections and using targeted messaging — including information on early and mail voting — to reduce Election Day crowding.
A roll-call vote was recorded by the clerk: seven councilors voted in favor and one opposed. Councilors instructed the clerk’s office to proceed with mail notices, signage and a transition plan that includes ADA verification and staff at prior polling sites during the initial transition.
The council’s approval follows a subcommittee review and a Ways and Means recommendation earlier the same evening. The decision will take effect as the clerk implements the notification and inspection steps the council discussed.
