Mobile County prepares for first election with two Congressional districts

MOBILE, Ala. (WKRG) — Anchor: We’re a little more than a week away from crowded primary elections for Congress. Officials with the Mobile County Probate Court office want to reassure voters after a big change that happened last year with Congressional redistricting.

For the first time, Mobile County voters will be in one of two congressional districts instead of just one. Thanks to redistricting thousands of voters in Mobile County will find themselves in a new district.

For the last few weeks, officials have been getting ready. Last week they were testing dozens of voting machines that head out to more than 80 polling locations across Mobile County.
Two weeks ago the probate court also posted a video called “Mobile County Elections Done right” highlighting the security around vote integrity.

In the last few weeks voters in Mobile County have likely received a postcard from either the county or the state notifying them they are in a new congressional district or voting precinct. But regardless the probate judge still expects a few bumps on primary day.

Don Davis, Probate Judge: I expect, based on past experiences, that there’s going to be a lot of confusion on Election Day. If people are going to be surprised that they’re not voting in congressional District one.

The probate judge generally doesn’t like to make turnout predictions but says the driver of turnout is generally driven by presidential politics. While we do have some crowded congressional races thanks to the new district–with the presidential primary almost inevitable that may dampen turnout.

To check your congressional district you can go to the Alabama Secretary of State’s map page.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRG News 5.