Pike County residents spoke and local government officials listened.

Before the last election, the county had to undergo a state-mandated redistricting effort that shifted some voters to new districts and polling places. During the last election, some voters in District 3 had to drive to China Grove to cast their votes when a polling location was very near their homes.

To accommodate those voters, the Pike County Commission created a voting center in Saco.

“The commissioners listened to concerns,” said Melissa Ingram, chairman of the Pike County Board of Registrars. “We had some people who lived right across the road who were having to drive to China Grove. The voting center will now service both District 1 and District 3.”

For the next election held in Pike County, voters who previously voted at the Saco election before the switch will once again vote at Saco. The voting center will house separate sections for voters in both District 1 and District 3.

Another change in polling locations comes in District 4 with a switch from Trawick Sign Company to Tennille United Methodist Church.

“There will be a bigger space and the location will provide better voter privacy,” Ingram shared. “It’s just right down the street and across the road.”

And for municipal elections, residents of Brundidge will vote at the Multi-purpose Senior Center at Brundidge Station.

One more change that will make it easier when it comes time for Pike County Residents to cast their votes at the polls is the introduction of free photo identification cards for anyone who doesn’t have a driver license, student ID, or other form of identification with their picture on it.

Although the equipment isn’t available locally, yet, Pike County voters will be able to visit the Board of Registrars office before the next election to receive a free ID.

“Voting is something we want everyone to be able to take part in,” Ingram said. “So, it’s very nice to see all these changes come about to make it easier.”