With municipal elections later this year, aldermen voted Tuesdayto seek federal approval to move the Ward Five voting precinct outof the Brookhaven-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce building.

“There’s no room. You can’t get in there, and it’s not handicapaccessible,” Ward Five Alderman Tom Smith said in bringing up thematter during last night’s meeting.

Also, Smith pointed out that Ward Five’s voting place is in WardFour. Ward Five residents have voted at the chamber building foryears.

Smith suggested moving the voting place to the old NationalGuard armory, which now houses the city’s recreationdepartment.

The alderman said that building is the only suitable publicfacility in Ward Five. With ward-line redistricting expected if apending annexation is approved, Smith said he thought the armorywould remain in Ward Five.

“We’ve been trying for four years to do something. It’s time todo something,” Smith said.

Under federal Voting Rights Act regulations, any relocation of avoting place would have to be pre-cleared by the U.S. Department ofJustice. City Attorney Joe Fernald said the process could beexpensive, but other officials were supportive of the attempt.

“Let’s start the ball rolling,” Mayor Bob Massengill said.

The chamber of commerce building, which serves as the City Hallvoting precinct for county and federal elections, was also citedfor its cramped conditions following last year’s presidentialelection.

Some county officials have voiced support for moving theprecinct elsewhere for their elections. Citing disruption ofbusiness-related activities, chamber officials have been agreeableto a precinct relocation.

After Tuesday night’s meeting, Smith continued to push for avoting-place relocation. He said elderly voters and others have adifficult time at the chamber building.

“We need to move someplace where people can get to and get in,”Smith said.