Commission tables polling place changes

By By Clif Knight, Hartselle Enquirer
A large number of Decatur voters will be voting at different locations in the next election (June Primary 2009) providing the Morgan County Commission approves changes proposed by Probate Judge Greg Cain. The changes would go into effect for the June 2010 primary and would have to be accepted by the U.S. Department of Justice.
Judge Cain brought nine confirmed precinct locations and two other proposed changes to the commission for consideration at its Oct. 13 meeting. He said the move was necessitated when he and Commission Chairman John Glasscock met with Decatur City Schools officials earlier this year. School leaders asked for all elementary schools in the system to be removed from the voter location list out of a concern for student safety.
County Attorney Bill Shinn advised the governing body to hold up on approval of the confirmed changes until the two proposed changed are confirmed. Subsequently, the commissioner tabled the matter.
Judge Cain listed confirmed changes as follows: Precinct 3-8, from Austinville Elementary School to Wilson Morgan Park’s conference building; Precinct 1-11, from Benjamin Davis Elementary School to the Carrie Matthews Recreation Center; Precinct 3-4, from Decatur High School to Fort Decatur; Precinct 4-3, from Eastwood Elementary School to the T,C. Almon Recreation Center; Precinct 3-15, from Frances Nungester Elementary School to First Bible Church; Precinct 3-10, from Julian Harris Elementary School to Decatur Baptist Church; Precinct 4-2, from Walter Jackson Elementary School to Oak Park Middle School; Precinct 3-6, from Woodmeade Elementary School to Westmeade Baptist Church; and precinct 4-14, from Chestnut Grove Elementary School to St. Andrews Church.
Recommended as proposed but unconfirmed changes were: Precinct 3-5, from Chestnut Grove Elementary School to Sixteenth Ave. Baptist Church or East Acres Management Office; and Precinct 3-2, West Decatur Elementary School to Progressive Christian Church.
Cain said the Justice Department must approve any polling location changes and requires 90 days notice.