The U.S. Constitution requires that legislative and congressional districts get redrawn every 10 years using new census data to reflect the changes in population in an effort to guarantee equal representation in the House of Representatives. In December 2021 the City of Malden submitted to the State their proposed map of the City with updated ward and precinct lines redrawn to accommodate for the increase in population as calculated by the 2020 Federal Census. The population per the 2010 Census reported 59,372 residents and the 2020 Census showed an increase in Malden’s population to 66,263. The new map and precinct lines became effective as of December 31, 2021. The new map can be found here.
These changes will affect where people will cast their votes for the next 10 years as well as increase the number of polling locations citywide. The City created eight more precincts and three sub-precincts moving from 16 to 27 overall. Additionally, there is the need to create a voting location for the voters of the newly formed Ward 6, Precinct 3. At their meeting on March 1st, the City Council will discuss the option of utilizing the Malden Moose Hall, 562 Broadway for this purpose. This proposed location was granted approval by the Secretary of State's Office on February 17, 2022. A full list of the 27 proposed polling locations may be viewed here.
These changes also mean that the City Clerk’s office now needs to purchase additional voting machines, hire and train new poll workers, and educate the public about new voting locations and precinct changes in time for the 2022 state elections.
Residents are encouraged to look to the City of Malden (www.cityofmalden.org\vote) website for up-to-date information as the state is in the process of updating their database and currently lists the old and outdated information. Once the Secretary of State’s database is up to date, the City will proceed with the annual City census being mailed to all households.