US Department of Justice gives nod to North Charleston redistricting

The City of North Charleston received word from the Civil Rights Division of the United States Department of Justice that the Attorney General does not interpose any objection to the City Council redistricting plan submitted in late June 2011.  The plan reflects population shifts and growth within the City according to the 2010 Census.

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.

Also, 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 select states (including South Carolina) get "pre-clearance" from the US Justice Department or Federal Court before making any official change to its election plan.

Election for all 10 North Charleston City Council Members and Mayor is set for November 8, 2011.

New Council District Map

May 23, 2011 Redistricting Public Hearing

On Monday, May 23, 2011, North Charleston city attorney J. Brady Hair gave a presentation on redistricting of North Charleston City Council districts.

The decennial census data allows for the realignment of City Council districts, taking into account population shifts since the last census and assuring equal representation for their constituents in compliance with the "one-person, one-vote" principle of the 1965 Voting Rights Act.

More Redistricting Information

North Charleston City Council redistricting public meetings

In the coming weeks, the City of North Charleston will hold a series of Public Meetings for the general public to review and provide comments on the redrawing of City Council district lines.

It is necessary to "rebalance" district sizes periodically so 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.

Also, 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 select states (including South Carolina) get "pre-clearance" from the US Justice Department or Federal Court before making any official change to its election plan.

Copies of the draft map will be displayed throughout the City at City Hall, community centers, churches, and on the city’s website, here: http://bit.ly/councilredistricting.

Citizens can also submit comments online from the webpage mentioned above.

Below you will find a schedule of Public Meetings:

Date	Location
Monday, May 23, 6:00 pm	North Charleston City Hall, Council Chambers
Tuesday, May 24, 6:30 pm	Chicora Elementary School Auditorium
Tuesday, May 31, 6:30 pm	Ft. Dorchester High School Cafeteria
Wednesday, June 1, 6:30 pm	Lambs Elementary School Cafeteria
Thursday, June 2, 6:30 pm	Northwoods Community Center Gym

The City hopes to have First Reading of the Council District Ordinance at the Thursday, June 9, 2011 City Council Meeting and Final Reading at the Thursday, June 23, 2011 City Council Meeting.