Redistricting

Objective 1: Equalize District Sizes

It is necessary to “rebalance” district sizes periodically so that a vote in one district has the same weight as a vote in all others.  The Census, which counts population every 10 years, typically reveals population shifts resulting in varying council district sizes.  In turn, the Census allows for the accurate drawing of new map lines based on those shifts.

Objective 2: Minority Fairness

According to the 1965 Voting Rights Act, election plans are required to be drawn in a way that is fair to minorities.  Section 5 of the Act requires that selecte states (including South Carolina) get “pre-clearance” from the US Justice Department or Federal Court before making any official change to its election plan. 

May 23, 2011 Public Hearing

A public hearing was held on Monday, May 23, 2011, in which City Attorney Brady Hair gave a presentation and received public comments on the proposed redistricting plan. Future public hearings will be held as the redistricting process continues.