Commission Votes To Change Certain Polling Places In Coker, Northport & Vance

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The Tuscaloosa County Commission on Wednesday unanimously approved changes to three different voting precinct locations in the county, following requests by members of each community.

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Ahead of the vote on each individual measure, Probate Judge Rob Robertson said it was prudent to move now on the changes before primary day on May 24.

In total, Tuscaloosa County has 54 voting wards for county, state, and federal elections.

Robertson said registered voters impacted by these moves will be notified via postcard from the county registrar's office.

Here's a quick look at the polling places that will change for voters in the upcoming election.

Ward 22 — Northport

• The polling place will move from Faucett-Vestavia Elementary School to Daystar Church at 3975 Watermelon Road.
• District 1 Commissioner Stan Acker pointed out that the decision is in line with the current trend of moving away from using schools as polling places. He explained it is disruptive overall for the school and parking is often limited.
• Only the ward lines will be redrawn to include the church, with no impact to Ward 22 voters.

Ward 31 - Coker

• The polling place will move from the Coker Fire Department to Coker Town Hall.
• District 4 Commissioner Reginald Murray said he has received requests for the move, which will ultimately allow for better parking.
• Coker Mayor Stephen Hysaw has expressed his support of the decision to the Commission, as well.

Ward 50 — Vance

• The polling place will move from Vance Town Hall to the Vance Activity Center.
• District 2 Commissioner Jerry Tingle said the request came from the town to move it to the activity center, where residents already vote in municipal elections.
• Tingle mentioned also that the facility meets all of the requirements in terms of ADA compliance and also provides ample parking compared to the town hall.

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