Anniston, AL – In conformity with constitutional mandates and the Code of Alabama, the city of Anniston is getting ready for a major Ward Redistricting process that is scheduled to begin in 2024. This move is a result of the results of the 2010 Census that revealed an alteration in the distribution of the city’s currently-in place Council Wards. The principal goal of the redistricting process is to create Wards that have “substantial the same people.”
The 2020 Census showed that Anniston’s population is now 21,564, which has led to the need for a redistricting procedure to ensure more balanced representation of Anniston’s 4 Wards. The objective is to divide the populace as evenly as it is feasible as possible, with each Ward having a population of around 5,391. This is in line with the principle of “One Person One Vote” which ensures that every individual’s vote has equal importance and impact, regardless of the Ward they reside in.
However, while allowing small deviations from the norm, process of redistricting must be based on race-neutral goals in order to be compliant in accordance with the Equal Protection Clause contained within the United States Constitution. The defining of boundary lines is determined by factors like maintaining contiguous and compact districts, safeguarding communities of interest and avoiding partisan favoritism.
It is important to note that the Voting Rights Act plays the primary responsibility of protecting against changes that may negatively impact minorities. This new Ward Map by the City Manager has been intended to strike an equilibrium, with two wards that are majority-minority as well as a ward with a majority and a ward that provides equal opportunity to majority and minority voters.
For those who need information on the status of their voter registration or about locations for polling or polling locations, you can contact the Calhoun County Board of Registrars is available by calling the number 256-241-2930. Additionally, the Alabama Secretary of State’s website at https://myinfo.alabamavotes.gov/voterview provides valuable resources.
Individuals interested in understanding the intricacies of the redistricting process or with specific inquiries can reach out to City of Anniston Planning & Economic Development Director, Toby Bennington, at 256-241-7162 or tbennington@annistonal.gov. The city is committed to active participation and involvement by its citizens in the process of navigating this vital part of making sure that there is fair and equitable administration.
