Citizens who live in Ward 2 will have a new polling location for this summer’s municipal election.

The YMCA of Selma and Dallas County will serve as Ward 2’s only polling location. Previous locations were Highland Avenue Church of God and Cahaba Road Fire Station.

Councilwoman Susan Keith represents Ward 2 and said the changes would make voting easier and even safer because the YMCA has plenty of parking and isn’t close to the highway.

“They have an abundance of parking. They have the space and facilities to accommodate the election,” Keith said. “It’s far enough off the highway for traffic and is easy to get in and out of.”

The change will affect anyone who lives in Ward 2 and wants to vote for mayor, city council president and Ward 2 council member.

Keith thanked Highland Avenue Church of God and the Cahaba Road Fire Station for serving as polling locations over the years but thinks the YMCA will be a good fit going forward.

“I appreciate the YMCA board for allowing us to precede with having the polling location there,” Keith said.

The YMCA is glad to have the additional visitors, according to executive director Ann Murray.

“The YMCA of Selma Dallas County is pleased to serve as a polling place for Ward 2,” Murray said. “The YMCA Board of Directors voted unanimously to approve the request from the city. The Y was recently annexed into the city of Selma and has adequate parking and facility space to serve Ward 2 citizens when they go to the polls Aug. 23.”

During last week’s city council meeting, city attorney Jimmy Nunn said letters would be sent to the church and fire station informing them about the changes.

The polling locations for every other ward will remain the same.

The council officially approved the consolidation during its April 26 meeting. According to state election guidelines, May 25 is the last day a council can change district lines or polling locations.

All district lines will remain the same as the 2012 election too.

Nunn said the districts, which have equal population, are based off the 2010 census and is the most current information available.

The next census will be conducted in early 2020, and district lines will be redrawn at that point.

State and federal districts will also be redrawn following the next census.

Municipal elections will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 23. Qualifying begins July 5 and will run through July 19.