Mecklenburg County approves new elections map, declines to make major changes
The new elections map in Mecklenburg County that will likely stand for the next decade has minimal changes from the current voting map.
Mecklenburg County Commissioners approved voting districts in a 6-2 vote Wednesday with the least amount of disruption to the status quo.
It now goes to the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections for full approval.
Commissioners had considered three potential options during its redistricting process.
The approved map will move Precinct 98 — an area that includes the Montclaire neighborhood south of uptown — from District 2 to District 5.
While the approved map shifted just one district, another would have moved 60 and dramatically altered how the county votes for its elected officials. The third option would have moved just two precincts.
In Mecklenburg County, voters vote for candidates vying to represent their respective districts.
New map yields some disapproval
There has been limited public comment on the maps, which are redrawn every 10 years based on new Census data.
Danny Diehl, the spokesman for Mecklenburg County, told commissioners last week that the county received two emails and 22 social media comments. All were in favor of the map that shifted 60 precincts, he said.
Commissioners Laura Meier and Elaine Powell both said Wednesday that they preferred that option as well.
“I listened to the community input that was presented by Danny Diehl, I listened to the League of Women Voters” who also endorsed that option, Powell said.
Commissioners Chair George Dunlap said the school board may also use the Board of Commissioners map if they choose.
The county’s redistricting comes as the City Council and state legislature also weigh new elections maps. On Tuesday, the state Senate passed new maps that could yield Republicans significant gains in the U.S. House, where the party currently controls eight of 13 districts.
Primary elections for the Board of County Commissioners, the city of Charlotte, the U.S. Senate, the U.S. House and the state legislature are scheduled for March 2022, the Observer has previously reported. A general election for the City Council and the school board is scheduled for April or May 2022, along with a possible second primary for federal offices.
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