After years of debate over the at-large voting system in the City of Jacksonville, supporters of the change say that this time may be different.
JACKSONVILLE, Ark. — After years of debate over the City of Jacksonville’s at-large voting system, supporters of change have expressed that this time may be different.
However, the debate isn’t new in Jacksonville.
“Some of these people served 30, 40 years. That’s why we don’t have a busing system anymore. I can go down the gamete as to why Jacksonville is struggling,” said NAACP Jacksonville Chapter President Reginald Ford.
Who city council members answer to, whether the entire city or the neighborhoods they represent, has been the center of the growing debate.
After last year’s conversations among city council members about changing from the at-large voting system to ward-based, is something Ford is trying to boost with a petition effort.
“You got 10 people you never met running for seats you know nothing about in wards you know nothing about. It keeps people confused, and it’s purposeful,” he said.
Ford said they got 1,000 signatures ahead of the deadline and are now counting up the numbers.
In a statement from the city, it said in part, “The City of Jacksonville supports residents exercising their right to participate in the democratic process and encourages community members to make their voices heard through civic engagement.”
In a text from council member Dr. Trenika McCoy, she said she supports moving toward ward-based voting. Last year, she pushed for a hybrid approach that didn’t advance, but with it being an election year, the voters have the authority to address it on the ballot.
“This conversation is fundamentally about representation and ensuring residents across all areas of Jacksonville feel they have equitable access,” she added.
The city said this matter will be on the ballot in November.