Washington County

Washington County Redistricting News:

10/9/2021 County commission districts redraw has been completed. A public announcement that the redistricting process had started was made on Facebook on Sep. 8 with links to presentation slides and two example plans. Redistricting Resolution 2021-019 — which includes the new county commission districts map — was voted on and passed on 10/4/2021. A Facebook video recording of the 10/4 BOCC meeting includes the vote on the Resolution — beginning at the 20 min. mark. The BOCC 10/4/2021 Agenda document includes:

• redistricting report by Harry White (county GIS/Mapping Director) and Richard Livingston (Lead for NC Fellow (LFNC)) — begins on p. 65
• text of the resolution passed and the new map — begins on p. 114

9/6/2021. Washington County Commission districts will have to be redrawn by November 17, in order for candidates to file for the 2022 election in December. Analysis of the new Census data by Fair Counties NC shows that Washington’s district populations are now too far out of line due to changes over the past decade. Commission district population should be about equal so voters have an equal say. That’s what “one person, one vote” requires. The accepted guideline is that no local district should be more than 5% above or below the new county population per commissioner. Redrawing is a must if the highest and lowest deviation total more than 10%. Washington’s districts are off by 26.4%! Washington County commissioners draw their own maps, just like legislators do, but voters deserve a say in how those districts are drawn.  Ask your commissioners what the redrawing schedule will be, when draft maps will be available for public comment, and how you and your neighbors can make your voices heard. Tell them voters want a fair and open county redistricting process. Don’t let districts drawn behind closed doors silence your voice on the vital decisions your commissioners make for Washington County.
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View Washington county district population statistics and more at davesredistricting.org — Washington County.

Washington County Events:

The Washington County Board of Commissioners (BOC) holds a meeting open to the public. Meetings are held in the Commissioners’ Room at 116 Adams Street, Plymouth. See BOC calendar for upcoming and past meetings. Check the BOC website before attending a meeting — to confirm meeting details.