The city of Big Rapids recently announced the permanent consolidation of its voting precincts.

Previously, there were three precincts. The city commission approved consolidating them into two precincts on Tuesday, Jan. 20.

The two precincts are almost perfectly separated by Maple Street and the Muskegon River. Precinct 1 covers areas north of Maple Street and east of the Muskegon River, while Precinct 2 includes residences south of Maple Street and west of the Muskegon River. 

"The idea to consolidate has been discussed in recent years," said City Clerk Karen Manoski. "After much thought and consideration, the decision was made to move forward. In doing so, precinct boundary changes were made and approved by the local election commission before the documents and request to consolidate could be presented to the state Bureau of Elections for approval."

Voters in Precinct 1 will vote at the MOISD Career Center building, while those in Precinct 2 will vote at city hall. According to Manoski, a major reason for the consolidation was to better utilize available space on Election Day.

"Precinct 1, previously at the Public Safety Building, is logistically more challenging on Election Day because the space is not large enough to accommodate a significant number of voters at one time," Manoski said. "The MOISD Career Center has a large room that will accommodate the voters from both precincts and still be under the maximum allowed. The room used on Election Day at the MOISD Career Center also allows for more election inspectors and voting booths, moving voters through the process more quickly with less time standing in line."

Michigan election law allows up to 4,999 active registered voters in a single precinct. A map of the new precinct boundaries can be found here: NEW PRECINCT MAP.

Those affected by the change will be mailed a new voter identification card and can call City Hall at 231-592-4001 with any questions.

New precinct maps courtesy of Manoski.