THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, October 22, 2021 Page 3 City Council approves historic change to city voting map: three precincts each ward in 2022 State legislators must review proposed municipal changes before fi nal ward lines drawn By Steve Freker S ome Malden voters could be casting ballots in different polling places in future elections if changes to the city voting map are approved at the state legislative level. The Malden City Council on Tuesday night voted unanimously to approve changes to the city voting map which would redraw ward boundary lines and move some city blocks into diff erent wards. In a historic move, including in the changes was an increase from two precincts per ward to three precincts, which is believed to be the fi rst time ever in Malden. While the City Council on Tuesday night passed the new voting map proposal unanimously, the changes still must receive approval from the state legislature’s Redistricting Committee before going into eff ect for the 2022 state and federal election. Ward 2 Councillor Paul Condon, other City Councillors, City Clerk Greg Lucey and State Representative Steve Ultrino (D-Malden, 33rd Middlesex) all stressed that the voting map changes do not aff ect this year’s 2021 municipal election – set for November 2 – in any way. “We just want everyone to be very clear. Any changes in ward lines or adding a precinct would take eff ect in 2022. It would not aff ect this year’s election whatsoever,” Councillor Condon said. “There will be plenty of notice before any changes are made.” Malden Director of Community Development Alex Pratt, who gave a detailed analysis of Malden’s Census 2020 results before the discussion of the voting map changes, explained that the process of redrawing ward boundary lines is done following every census count. Pratt said the 15% increase in Malden’s populaCOUNCIL | SEE PAGE 19 AUTOTECH DRIVE IT - PUSH IT - TOW IT! Cold Hard Cash for Your Vehicle! RIVE IT - PUSH IT - TOW IT $$ CASH FOR YOUR CAR, TRUCK OR SUV! $$ Get your vehicle Winter Ready! We offer a Winter Inspection Service that includes: • Oil Filter Change • Anti-Freeze Check • Complete Safety Check Only $39.95 2012 KIA SPORTAGE All Wheel Drive, Most Power Options, Runs Great, Only 95K Miles, Warranty! TRADES WELCOME! $11,900 The Malden City Council voted unanimously to add a precinct to each ward, with 24 precincts planned for the 2022 election cycle. The changes in the voting map must be approved at the state legislative level and would not go into eff ect until next year and would not aff ect the upcoming November 2 election whatsoever. (Courtesy Photo) Financing Available! 1236 EasternAve • Malden EddiesAutotech.com (Most vehicles) 2010 NISSAN MAXIMA Loaded, Leather Interior, Just Serviced, Warranty, Runs Beautiful, Only 160K Miles! TRADES WELCOME! (781) 321-8841 • (617) 571-9869 Easy For Your Vehicle! $7,995 We Pay Cash
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