As the redistricting process winds to a close, N.C. Republicans are almost ready to redraw the state’s district maps and potentially gain a political advantage for years to come.
The state redistricts every 10 years, and as the former majority party, the Democrats had this job for most of the state’s recent history.
This time around, Republicans have pledged to make the process as open and fair as possible in response to past criticism calling the process politically motivated.
“Right now, we’re in the middle of the public hearings,” said Sen. Andrew Brock, R-Davie, vice chairman of the redistricting committee. “We’re trying to get as many people involved as possible.”
The hearings, which are a way to get the public’s input in the process, are being held at locations across the state, he said.
Appalachian State University, UNC-Pembroke and UNC-School of the Arts were among the places hearings were held, he said.
Many of the hearings are video teleconferences and will be broadcast via satellite on the General Assembly website, Brock said.
“We’d like to have a meeting everywhere we can, but logistically, that’s not possible, so we’re doing these satellite locations to get as many people’s input as possible,” he said.
The hearing process will continue for about two more weeks, Brock said. May 9 will be the last hearing, and the committee is expected to present its proposal to the House and Senate at the end of May.