Early voting, new District 3 precinct discussed as Election Commission prepares for August races

Katrina Smith
Jackson Sun
Election commission committee discusses agenda

Correction: An earlier version of this article contained an incorrect vote. Three commissioners were opposed to the early voting measure.

Early voting took center stage during the Madison County Election Commission's monthly meeting this week.

After board members approved the certification of the May 3 county primary, discussion quickly pivoted to extended early voting hours.

Back in April 2022, Commissioner Wendy Trice-Martin, a representative of the county’s Democratic Party, brought up an idea to extend voting hours during the early voting period. In the past, the measure had been shot down, as officials reasoned that the extended hours would create a budget issue. 

On Monday, Trice-Martin brought the issue back before the board. 

"I believe all voters should be given an opportunity to vote," Trice-Martin explained. "If voting hours are extended (by) an hour for one day for two weeks, (it) would make a difference for those working who are not allowed to get off in time to get to the polls." 

The other commissioners disagreed.

Two members were in favor of the measure, and the other three were opposed. 

Early voting hours will remain the same: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday and 9 a.m.-noon on Saturdays.

Looking ahead, early voting for the August general election will begin on July 15 and continue through July 30.

In other business, the board approved the appointment of nursing home officials, alternate officials, a machine technician and the locker of the Provisional ballot bags for both the Republican and Democratic parties. Poll workers were also appointed, and the registration inspection report was approved.

There was a concern about the flow of traffic during Elections at Bascom C.M.E. Church in District 3. Traffic backs up and voters park at the fire station because the parking lot gets overcrowded.

Administrator Lori Lott made a motion to add another location along with Bascom C.M.E. Church for District 3. The motion was approved and the board is considering locations for the new precinct.

Katrina Smith is an education reporter at The Jackson Sun. Send those story ideas or connect with Katrina via email, kmsmith@gannett.com.