Resident urges restoring closer polling place in New Brunswick’s Ward 5 District 3

A New Brunswick resident told the Board of Elections that voters in Ward 5 District 3 now travel farther to reach their polling place after pandemic-era moves and asked the board to consider restoring the pre-pandemic site at Providence Square senior housing or evaluating nearer alternatives such as a local athletic club.

Charlie Prattville said Providence Square previously hosted that precinct before pandemic-related changes and that the current site—Hungarian Heritage Center—is several blocks farther for many voters. He suggested the Hungarian American athletic club across the street from the old location might be worth evaluating as a nearer option, though he acknowledged he did not know whether that venue meets all election-hosting requirements.

Board members and staff acknowledged the history of polling-place changes and said they would take the comment under advisement. No formal request or motion to change the polling place was filed at the meeting; the comment was recorded as public input for future consideration.

The board did not report any immediate plans to restore the old site; staff noted precinct placement involves venue suitability and logistical requirements that must be reviewed before changes can be made.