Steve Bandy /Crowley Post-Signal
Two of Acadia Parish’s voting precincts will probably be moving — but not far.
The proposed move comes at the request of Michael Broussard, director of physical plant at LSUE, and Clerk of Court Robert “Robby” Barousse.
In a letter to the police jury, Blane Faulk, chief deputy clerk of court, explains that the current site of the two precincts — Ward 7, Precinct 3; and Ward 7, Precinct 4 — face some “challenges” in many elections.
The two precincts are currently located in the gymnasium at LSUE and “there are baseball tournaments, basketball tournaments, swim meets, track and field and other functions that currently take place and use the gymnasium facility.”
The proposed new site is located next door to the gym in the Classroom Community Education Building. The precincts would be situated in the dance studio room.
“It is a fairly new building with amply parking, a large room clear of any clutter, and no sporting events,” Faulk wrote.
A combined total of just over 2,000 Acadia Parish voters use these two precincts, according to records at the registrar of voters’ office.
Since voting precinct sites are set by ordinance, jurors will hold a public hearing before making a final decision on the proposed move.
“If we get approval from (the police jury) and the ordinance is passed, the registrar will send out new cards along with a letter explaining the change to voters,” Faulk noted. “Signs would also be put up for the next few elections stating the change in voter designation area and thus still being on the campus.”
Faulk said the clerk’s office hopes to get this move implemented before the next election.
The next scheduled election for that precinct is the Oct. 12 gubernatorial primary.
In other action during Tuesday night’s regular monthly meeting, the police jury:
— Appointed Sandra Henry to replace Janet Coignard, who is resigning for health reasons, on the Acadia Parish Library Board of Control. The term ends Nov. 1, 2020.
— Awarded the low bid of $86,925 submitted by Will’s Tree Service, LLC, of Jennings to grind 30,500 yards of tree debris at the Acadia Parish Landfill.
— Approved advertising for consulting services to conduct Hazard Mitigation Assistance Program-related service.