Sussex County seeks more input on redistricting map

Delaware State News
Posted 12/14/21

GEORGETOWN — All five of Sussex County Council’s districts would change, with some growing and others contracting, as officials and the public got their first look at a new map that could reshape the local political landscape in the decade ahead.

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Sussex County seeks more input on redistricting map

Posted

GEORGETOWN — All five of Sussex County Council’s districts would change, with some growing and others contracting, as officials and the public got their first look at a new map that could reshape the local political landscape in the decade ahead.

On Tuesday, county attorney J. Everett Moore Jr. presented to County Council a proposed map — influenced by public suggestions solicited earlier this fall when the redistricting process was launched — that reimagines the five districts of council.

The boundaries must be reviewed every 10 years, following the federal census, and adjusted to account for any population shifts.

Tuesday’s unveiling was the latest step in the redistricting process Sussex County and other jurisdictions across the United States must complete, by law, following each decennial census to equally distribute their populations among elected representative districts.

Mr. Moore’s proposed map is available here. The public can submit comments for a month. Following that, Mr. Moore will report back to council in mid-January before a formal ordinance and final draft map are introduced for consideration and action early next year.

Based on the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2020 results for Delaware, Sussex County’s population increased more than 20% between 2010-20, from 197,145 residents to 237,378 residents. Given those figures, each council district must be within plus or minus 5% of an ideal population of 47,475 residents, containing no fewer than 45,101 residents and no more than 49,849 residents.

As was the case when the redistricting process began in early November, the public is invited to offer comments on the proposed map. Submit comments by email to redistricting@sussexcountyde.gov or by standard mail. Letters should be addressed to the Clerk of the Sussex County Council, P.O. Box 589, Georgetown, DE 19947.

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