05/21/2026
I want to publicly express my support for Councilwoman Tolson and we fully plan on ensuring this matter is properly and adequately addressed moving forward.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: City of Anniston Reviewing Ward Assignment Discrepancy (05/21/26)
🔗 Link to Release: https://tinyurl.com/ykzjycz7.
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FULL RELEASE:
ANNISTON, AL – Recently, the City of Anniston, Alabama, became aware of a discrepancy involving voter assignment records and the official ward map in the area where Ward 2 Anniston City Councilwoman Erica Tolson resides.
Based on the City’s initial review, the ward boundary in this area does not appear to have changed since the City’s 2012 reapportionment process, and this area was not changed during the City’s 2024 reapportionment process. However, it appears that certain homes in this area, including homes that had previously been reflected in voter assignment records as Ward 2, are shown on the City’s ward map as being located in Ward 1.
This matter came to light following a recent review connected to a house fire at a residence located near Councilwoman Tolson’s home. During that process, geographical questions were raised regarding the ward assignment for portions of the surrounding area.
Councilwoman Tolson, along with others in the area, appears to have voted in Ward 2 based on the voter assignment records that were in place at the time. The City wants to be clear: based on the information currently available, there is no indication that Councilwoman Tolson did anything wrong. There is also no indication at this time of malicious intent or wrongdoing by any voter, candidate, election worker, City employee, public official, or any other party involved.
Following a review of this matter, and after the City Clerk sought guidance from the Alabama League of Municipalities, Councilwoman Tolson remains the Ward 2 Councilwoman. The City will continue to follow the guidance of its legal counsel and the appropriate municipal and election authorities as this matter is further reviewed.
The City is currently seeking additional legal guidance on how to properly move forward and address this matter in a fair, transparent, and lawful manner. The City also plans to work with the appropriate election officials to conduct a review of the relevant ward map, voter assignment records, and any related discrepancies to ensure the matter is properly identified and addressed moving forward.
The City’s goal is to handle this matter responsibly, protect the integrity of the process, and ensure residents are accurately assigned according to the City’s official ward boundaries.
The City is committed to keeping the public informed as appropriate while this review continues. At this time, the City has no additional information to release.
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