Albert Lea city council approves new ward boundaries, polling locations

(ABC 6 News) – Due to new areas and growth in population, the City of Albert Lea is redistricting its council wards for the first time since 1992.

The plan would shift some voters from Ward one in northern Albert Lea into Ward two. This shift would result in the term for the ward one city council seat, now held by Rich Murray, ending two years sooner than scheduled.

If the proposal is approved, then Albert Lea voters will elect city councilors for Ward 1 plus the four seats with terms ending this year:

• Mayor (incumbent is Vern Rasmussen, Jr.)
• Ward 2 (incumbent is Larry Baker)
• Ward 4 (incumbent is Reid Olson)
• Ward 6 (incumbent is Al “Minnow” Brooks)

Under the redistricting proposal, the polling place for Ward 1 would move from the Edgewater Park Pavilion to the Fairlane Building at the Freeborn County Fairgrounds. Due to space needs, the city is planning to move voting for Ward 5 from City Center to the National Guard Armory.