Anniston, AL – In adherence to constitutional mandates and the Code of Alabama, the City of Anniston is gearing up for a comprehensive Ward Redistricting process set to take place in 2024. This initiative stems from the results of the 2020 Census, which highlighted a shift in the population distribution across the city’s current Council Wards. The primary objective of the redistricting effort is to establish Wards with “substantial equality of population.”
The 2020 Census revealed that Anniston’s population now stands at 21,564, triggering the necessity for a redistricting process to ensure a more balanced representation across the city’s four Wards. The goal is to distribute the population as evenly as possible, with each Ward ideally accommodating approximately 5,391 residents. This approach aligns with the fundamental principle of “One Person, One Vote,” ensuring that each individual’s vote carries a comparable weight and influence, irrespective of their Ward of residence.
While allowing for minor deviations, the redistricting process must adhere to race-neutral objectives to comply with the Equal Protection Clause of the United States Constitution. The delineation of boundary lines considers criteria such as maintaining compact and contiguous districts, preserving communities of interest, and avoiding partisan favoritism.
The Voting Rights Act assumes a pivotal role in safeguarding against changes that could disproportionately affect minority voters. The proposed Ward Map by the City Manager is designed to strike a balance, featuring two minority-majority wards, one majority-majority ward, and one ward offering equal opportunities to both minority and majority voters.
For residents seeking information on voting registration status or polling locations, the Calhoun County Board of Registrars can be contacted at 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 encourages active participation and engagement from its residents as it navigates this crucial aspect of ensuring fair and representative governance.
