Boundary Politics Played With Proposed District Lines?
The proposed North Carolina House District boundaries intended to comply with the federal Voting Rights Act were released to the public late last Friday afternoon and it is fair to say that not all are embracing the new districts with open arms. It is not only democrats who are raising questions either.
According to the proposed boundaries, Franklin County, currently entirely represented by Glen Bradley, would see itself split roughly in half along a rather mangled line. That line would create two districts contained totally within the borders of Franklin and Nash Counties, the northern of which, District 23, would ostensibly be to comply with the Voting Rights Act of 1965.
If the proposed boundary stands, it would also put Bradley into direct competition with fellow freshman Republican Representative Jeff Collins of Nash County during the next election.
Bradley’s libertarian brand of politics has attracted a statewide following of supporters even while some of his bills, including the NC Jobs Bill and the Constitutional Tender Act, have branded him at times a thorn in the side of House leadership.
One could make the logical leap that the district lines were tinkered for political favoritism, not uncommon for either political party. Assuming no foul play however, there remains legitimate concerns with the proposed lines including a likely scenario that a Nash County resident would represent both districts, leaving Franklin County without a real voice in the legislature.
There are also Constitutional concerns. Article 2 Section 5 Clause 3 of the North Carolina State Constitution reads, “No County shall be divided in the formation of a representative district”. During the last round of redistricting, a lawsuit by Republican legislative leaders and GOP activists resulted in a court ruling that counties should remain whole in legislative districts whenever possible.
Alternate District Lines
An alternative district map being circulated illustrates a set of two districts in Franklin and Nash Counties that keeps Franklin whole while offering much cleaner lines.
On June 23 from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., public hearings on the proposed Voting Rights Act districts and four other districts proposed by the GOP chairs will be held simutaniously at the N.C. Museum of History in Raleigh, Fayetteville Technical Community College, Guilford Technical Community College, UNC Charlotte, UNC Wilmington, East Carolina University and Roanoke-Chowan Community College.
Those wishing to speak are instructed to call the General Assembly at 919-733-7928 or consult the legislature’s web site for signup procedures.
The UNC Charlotte hearing will take place in Room 143 of the J. Murrey Atkins Library.
We need your help! If you like PunditHouse, please consider donating to us. Even $5 a month can make a difference!
Short URL: https://pundithouse.com/?p=6586
