Macon-Bibb residents share input on proposed polling changes

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Citizens Advisory Committee held a public hearing Tuesday for residents to voice their concerns on the proposed changes to the polling locations in Macon-Bibb County.

The forum was held at Union Baptist Church. Some residents who spoke say reducing the number of facilities 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.

Quinton Tard is the chairperson of the Citizens Advisory Committee. He tells 41NBC the elections board has to make cuts due to consolidation.

“The [Macon]-Bibb County Board of Elections said that they were looking to cut $40,000 from their budget and this is the route that they chose,” Tard said. “That was reducing polling places from 40 to 26.”

The Citizens Advisory Committee will make its recommendation to the elections board on June 9th.

Residents can still share their thoughts on the proposed polling changes. The final public hearing is Thursday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Macon-Bibb Government Center.