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
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