Council advances first reading of redistricting map; second reading, public hearing set for May 12

Easly City council held the first reading April 14 of Ordinance 202503 to redraw the city’s six single-member council districts based on the 2020 decennial census.

Tom (staff) presented a new map prepared with RFA Columbia and noted the proposed districts are more symmetrical and fall within a 5% population deviation. "They're all within 5%. It's a lot cleaner," Tom said while showing the map.

Councilmembers discussed timing and the need to add areas annexed since 2020. Staff said the current map and its supporting numbers must be voted on as presented because it is based on 2020 data; the annexed properties will be added by the county GIS team prior to finalization. Staff said a public hearing and second reading will occur May 12, after which updated voter registration notices would go to affected residents in time for November ballots.

County staff representative Dr. Sams (referred to by council) told council that polling locations would not change as a result of the ward reassignment. Councilmembers asked whether the map affects only Easly City elections; staff confirmed it affects only the city’s wards.

City attorney and one council member urged prompt adoption to reduce legal risk. "I would recommend that we go ahead and move forward with adopting the redistricting. So we make sure the city is not subject to a challenge from the voting rights standpoint," said one council member.

Council also discussed voter registration card label formatting (ward numbering) and the potential complexity for candidates who might find their residence moved into a different ward after election filing; staff said that is a possible drawback if the map is changed after an election has proceeded.

The transcript records the map as having passed first reading during the meeting; a May 12 hearing and second reading were scheduled.