Congressional maps to be updated soon

Legislative leaders will soon release a second draft of proposed new congressional voting maps.

House Redistricting chairman Rep. David Lewis confirmed the committee is working on changes to its July 1st plan for the state’s 13 congressional districts.

Some who testified at the public hearing on the first draft of the map said the proposed changes to District 1, a VRA district, could render the plan illegal. That plan would have moved five VRA counties out of District 1, currently served by Democrat G.K. Butterfield.

Committee staff disagreed with that assessment.  But they're now considering some changes.

“The Committee Chairs and I are reviewing the large amount of information received at the public hearing,” Lewis said in an emailed statement. “As has always been the intent, the input that makes the map stronger or points out any deficiency in the map was sought after and will be addressed if possible.”

“We intend for our map to be based on the strongest legal basis,” he added. “If a redraw is needed, we will produce it as quickly as possible.”

Lewis hopes the new map will be available by Monday, the day another round of public hearings on House and Senate maps is already scheduled .  "We've tried to give as much time for public review as possible," Lewis said.