ANNISTON — The City of Anniston is reviewing a discrepancy involving voter assignment records and the city’s official ward map in the area where Ward 2 City Council member Erica Tolson resides.

According to a press release issued by the city, officials recently became aware of inconsistencies between voter assignment records and ward boundary maps affecting portions of the area near Tolson’s residence.

City officials said an initial review indicates the ward boundary in the affected area does not appear to have changed since Anniston’s 2012 reapportionment process and was not altered during the city’s 2024 reapportionment. However, officials say some homes previously reflected in voter assignment records as being located in Ward 2 appear on the city’s official ward map as falling within Ward 1.

The issue reportedly came to light following a recent review connected to a house fire near Council member Tolson’s home, during which geographical questions were raised concerning ward assignments in the surrounding neighborhood.

According to the city, Tolson, along with other residents in the area, appears to have voted in Ward 2 based on voter assignment records that were in place at the time.

City officials emphasized that, based on the information currently available, there is no indication Tolson acted improperly. Officials also stated there is no evidence at this time suggesting malicious intent or wrongdoing by any voter, candidate, election worker, city employee, public official, or any other party involved.

Following a review of the matter and guidance sought by the City Clerk from the Alabama League of Municipalities, Tolson will remain in her role as Ward 2 councilmember while the issue continues to be examined.

The city said it is seeking additional legal guidance on how to proceed and plans to work with election officials to review ward maps, voter assignment records, and any related discrepancies to ensure residents are properly assigned according to official ward boundaries.

Officials say the city’s goal is to address the matter in a fair, transparent, and lawful manner while protecting the integrity of the election process.

The City of Anniston stated it will continue to provide updates to the public as appropriate but said no additional information is available at this time.