The council districts for Sussex County are undergoing significant change following the 2020 census. Sussex County population grew by more than 20% between 2010 and 2020, to a total 237,378 residents. As a result, each of Sussex County’s five council seats will represent 47,475 residents and must be adjusted to accommodate the new residents.
On Dec. 14, the county attorney released a proposed redistricting map, which follows closely a map proposed by the League of Women Voters.
The map proposed by the county attorney takes into consideration population growth and communities of interest. The county attorney’s proposed map also follows school district lines as much as possible. Major features of the county and league maps include a district along the coast, including Lewes and Rehoboth Beach and Dewey Beach in District 3, a shift in District 4 southward and District 5 consolidated in the center of the county, with District 2 to the north and District 1 to the west. Readers are encouraged to review the proposed county map at https://sussexcountyde.gov/2021-county-council-redistricting.
Redistricting is essential to ensuring the principle of “one person, one vote.” This is the time for voters to comment on the proposed districts, which will govern for the next 10 years.
The County Council will receive comments on the proposed map until 4:30 p.m. Jan. 7, 2022. Comments can be addressed to Clerk of Sussex County Council, P.O. Box 589, Georgetown, DE 19947 or sent via email to redistricting@sussexcountyde.gov.
The county attorney will release a draft ordinance on Jan. 11. County Council will hold public hearings in February.
Jack Young
Co-chair, Fair Maps Coalition of League of Women Voter of
