State lawmakers are scheduled to return to Richmond one more time this year, this time to approve a Congressional redistricting plan. When they do, Roanoke will be at the center of a key redistricting question. News/Talk 960’s Evan Jones has the story.
[audio:https://wfirnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/06-20-Redistricting-Wrap1-WEB.mp3|titles=06-20 Redistricting Wrap1-WEB]The other key issue facing lawmakers is whether to create a second Virginia Congressional district containing a black majority. The Democrat-led State Senate approved a plan that would accomplish that; supporters say it is only fair since blacks make up 20 per cent of Virginia’s population.
The Republican-led House of Delegates approved a plan that makes only minor changes to boundary lines. Supporters note the state’s 11-member congressional delegation backs the plan, one deemed likely to help all win re-election.
Lawmakers expect to reconvene next month to approve a final map with districts. Each must contain either 727,355 or 727,356 residents.