Citizens Advisory Committee wants more time on Macon-Bibb polling location changes

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Citizens Advisory Committee wants more time before the Macon-Bibb Board of Elections considers closing polling places.

The board held two public meetings last week. Some residents say fewer locations will cause longer lines and make it harder to cast ballots. They also believe this is a way to reduce the number of low-income and minority voters.

Committee members gathered that input during their regular meeting Monday night. Chairman Quinton Tard tells 41NBC, they also want to extend the June 9th deadline.

“To make a request, as requested by the public during both forums, to ask for more time in this very, very important process of consolidating or changing polling places,” Tard said.

The board of elections say because of consolidation, it has to cut $40,000 from its budget. The proposal will reduce the number of polling locations from 40 to 26.