York County Presents Preliminary Redistricting Options

Friday, March 04, 2011

York County Supervisors got their first look at six different redistricting options Tuesday night, and citizens will get to consider the options next week at various public meetings.

The accurate population of York County is 65,356, meaning the target population for each district is about 13,071 (there is flexibility around the number by about plus or minus five percent).

County staff came up with six different alternatives for the board to consider (though supervisors can decide to make up their own option if they choose). Citizens can view all the county’s redistricting information and maps of the various options on the county’s website.

There are some rules the county needs to follow during the process. Districts must be compact and contiguous; they cannot purposely dilute the voting strength of minorities and should preserve communities of interest; they must preserve the shape of existing districts as much as possible; and they should avoid placing two or more incumbents in the same election district. Other rules include making sure the districts are convenient for voters and ensure political fairness.

According to Cross, staff’s main goal was to shift as few residents as possible. The redistricting option that moves the fewest people, labeled alternative A1, would shift Marlbank’s 1,457 residents from District 1 to District 3.

It would also shift a smaller population from District 3 to District 4, a few people from District 4 to District 5, and would move some residents of Bethel Manor (now Langley Air Force Base housing) from District 5 to District 2. (See the county website to view the map).

Plan A1 moves a total of 3,600 residents.

Alternative A2 is the same as A1, but the population shifted from District 4 to 5 is slightly different.

Alternative B1 shifts a total of 5,025 people. The area bordered by Yorktown Road, Moorehouse Road and Langley Air Force Base would shift from District 1 to District 3, and another small piece of 3 would transfer to 1.

Cross described this area as the “ponytail” of the current District 1, as it looks like a peninsula jutting into District 2. By moving it, the “ponytail” effect would be removed and would make the area look more compact.

The changes to Districts 2, 4, and 5 are the same as suggested in alternative A.

The difference with option B2 is the same slight change between Districts 4 and 5 as in A2.

The biggest change in option C1 is a large chunk of the southern part of District 3 would shift to District 2. The other changes are the same as previous options. This plan would move a total of 5,081 people.

The other change from C1 to C2 is the same as in A2 and B2.

Cross told the board that racial disbursement through the various county districts is pretty even, and the new plans don’t change that spread significantly.

When discussing why citizens should attend the informational meetings about the redistricting process next week, Supervisor Tom Shepperd suggested that residents should consider what supervisors are involved with or interested in the issues important to them, as this may change depending on what redistricting option is chosen.

Public meetings will be informal, and will offer residents a chance to look at the various options and ask questions.