McNairy County Voting Precinct Controversy
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Some residents and commissioners in McNairy County are in an uproar over a decision to close five precincts in the county. “It’s seriously going to affect the disabled and the handicapped by having to move from their home precincts to go to vote at different locations,” said County Commissioner Steve Browder. McNairy County Mayor Wilburn Gene Ashe said the county commissioners have no authority over the election commission’s decisions. Commissioner Browder said the public should have had the opportunity to offer input on the election commission’s decision. Election officials said the decision was based on low voter turnout and concerns over whether one of the centers was compliant with the American with Disabilities Act. They said the closures will save the county more than $2,500. “If the precinct isn’t compliant with the ADA, then fix it. Don’t close it,” said Commissioner Browder. The precincts scheduled to close are the Cypress, Leapwood, Lawton, McNairy and Purdy locations. After receiving concerns from the public, election officials said they will hold a public forum to revisit the decision. They said the time and location of the meeting will be announced publicly once it is decided.
