Residents get the chance to weigh in on the redistricting plan approved by Lowndes County supervisors last week.
A public hearing on the matter is scheduled for April 4, at 11 a.m., in the downstairs courtroom at the Lowndes County Courthouse.
The plan moves part of the Sale voting precinct, north of Highway 182, out of District 3 and into District 1, part of the Trinity voting precinct, south of 182 and east of the Luxapalila Creek, out of District 1 and into District 5, and part of the Union Academy precinct from District 5 to District 2. District 4 is unaffected.
The plan has drawn criticism from Supervisor Leroy Brooks, who voted against the plan, on the grounds it is “diluting” the minority vote in his district.
Under the new plan, District 1”s voting population is 71.2-percent white (now 69.8-percent white) ; District 2 is 69.8-percent white (now 70.1); District 3 is 83.2-percent white (now 83.2-percent white) ; District 4 is 79.4-percent black (now 79.4-percent black), and District 5 is 62-percent black (now 63.5-percent black). Brooks wants at least a 65-percent black majority in District 5.
Brooks previously said he would file suit or submit his own redistricting plan to the Justice Department if District 5 was not at least 65-percent black. Brooks voted against the plan, with the other four supervisors voting in favor. Initially, District 4 Supervisor Jeff Smith abstained from the vote.
After wrestling with the decision, he changed his vote in favor of the plan.
Oxford-based Bridge and Watson, which is drawing up redistricting plans for several counties, presented three plans to supervisors. Brooks also submitted his own plan for consideration. Brooks has threatened litigation and also said he may still submit his plan to the Justice Department, which reviews redistricting plans to ensure fairness to minorities.
District 1 Supervisor and Board President Harry Sanders said he has heard very little and only positive feedback about the redistricting plan.
“Most people are really not concerned about it though,” Sanders admitted, noting he doesn”t expect a large showing at the redistricting hearing.
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