As you may have heard or read, after the U.S. Census Bureau announces new the population figures, district boundaries must be adjusted. According to the Volusia County web site, the 2010 Census results, received in March, indicate the county has 494,593 residents, which calls for about 99,000 people in each district. This will require substantial shifts in most of the districts.
Volusia County's Home Rule Charter requires County Council districts to be redrawn with equal populations following the county's receipt of final U.S. Census numbers. The School Board has no such requirement, but for the simplicity of voters adopts the county's district borders The county's process must be finished in September.
If, by odd chance, the County Council can't agree on new districts, the county's charter requires court-ordered districts.
If, by odd chance, the County Council can't agree on new districts, the county's charter requires court-ordered districts.
To review the maps, please visit the County web site. http://volusia.org/redistricting.htm You should also scroll down the page to make your comments known or contact your local representative to let them know what is best for you and your community.
You can contact our County Council representative, Joie Alexander: jalexander@co.volusia.fl.us You can also reach our School Board representative, Stan Schmidt: sschmidt@mail.volusia.k12.fl.us
You also need to be aware that the state and congressional voting districts are also being redrawn. This will greatly affect our voting power and representation; there are meetings all around the state to provide a venue for the public to provide feedback.
Please be aware that for the state and congressional voting districts, there are no maps available to look at, so it is very important to give your comments at the meetings or to your local state and congressional representatives.
For the state and congressional redistricting you can visit the web site www.floridaredistricting.org and provide feedback, watch redistricting meetings live or test-drive a program that allows you to draw maps of your own.
Some of you may think what difference does it make? You may feel that they (the lawmakers) are going to do what they want anyway. Let me tell you, your voice is very important.
Only you can make a difference by staying informed on issues and making your opinion known. You have a greater power than you realize. Please do not be complacent. Our representative on the Florida House of Representatives Redistricting Committee is Dorothy Hukill. You can reach her by the following: Capitol Office 204 House Office Building 402 South Monroe Street Tallahassee, FL 32399-1300 Phone: (850) 488-6653.
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