Resolution Calling for Investigation into Changed Voting Procedures on Macon Council Agenda for Tuesday

MACON, Ga. (41NBC/WMGT) – Macon’s Ordinances and Resolutions Committee Monday approved a resolution that calls for an investigation into changed legislation regarding how elections are held in Bibb County.

Those against the changes, which include making elections non-partisan and moving them from November to July, say they were made to dilute minority voting strength within the county.

A resolution presented to O&R on Monday to get the U.S. Department of Justice to investigate has ten sponsors, and it passed 6-1 in committee.  The purpose of O&R is to place items on the full council agenda.

According to committee chairman Larry Schlesinger, the lone member to vote against pushing the item through to full council was Beverly K. Olson, who was in for Nancy White.

The resolution’s sponsors are Elaine Lucas, Henry Ficklin, Rick Hutto, Lonnie Miley, Frank Tompkins, Virgil Watkins, Jr., Tom Ellington, James Timley, Henry Gibson and Charles Jones.

The resolution follows a letter drafted by Bibb County Democratic Party leaders Monday which asks Assistant Attorney General Thomas Perez to deny clearance of the legislation.

Full council meets Tuesday at 6.