Voting precincts different from prior elections

Madison County voters can expect a variety of changes this election including a change of venue for two precincts.

A sample ballot is available here. Other election-related questions such as absentee voting can be found here.

Circuit Clerk Anita Wray said that both precinct 207 in District 2 and Precinct 521 in District 5 have changed locations. Precinct 521 in Canton has moved from the Catholic Parish Center to the gymnasium shared by Jimmie M. Goodloe Elementary and Huey L. Porter Middle School off of Finney Road, while Precinct 207 voters in Madison will vote at Pilgrim’s Rest Missionary Baptist Church on Madison Avenue.

District 2 Election Commissioner Julia Hodges said that Pilgrim’s Rest has recently expanded their facilities. Voting will take place in a “pretty massive” auditorium or gymnasium.

“I think people are going to like this location,” Hodges said. “Apparently this part of their facilities is relatively new and they are happy to show it off and have us there.”

Hodges said another benefit is that the church has ample parking for the roughly 3,400 voters in that precinct and is easy to get in and out of.

“Parking can be a big issue for this precinct and I think they are equipped to handle it,” Hodges said.

Wray said that masks are not required for voting but that her office is encouraging their use.

“We strongly encourage people to wear a mask and don’t forget you I.D.,” Wray said. “We ask that voters be patient and we will get them in and out as quickly as possible.”

Hodges said they are taking a variety of precautions to limit contact and sanitize anything that will see a lot of use. Voters will place their I.D. on a piece of cardboard so that poll workers can check them without touching them. Surfaces will be wiped down regularly. Hodges said they have even devised a system for the pens voters will use. The pen will be issued to a voter with their ballot and will be dropped off in a bin after they are used for sanitation. Workers will then return them to circulation.

Wray said that absentee voting has been “heavy” this year. Her staff has been pulling long hours to make sure ballots are properly distributed and received. She said her office will be open for the next two Saturdays. On October 24 they will be open from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. the following Saturday, October 31