The League of Women Voters of North Carolina urges you to open the redistricting process to more public scrutiny and citizen input. The League has reviewed the tentative public hearing schedule that the House Standing Committee on Redistricting and the Senate Standing Committee on Redistricting and Elections released last week. That schedule includes public hearing locations in just ten of North Carolina’s 100 counties, which is far fewer than is needed for adequate public input.

The redistricting process will have far-reaching implications for years to come. Many organizations, including LWVNC, have asked for transparency in the process and opportunities for adequate review and public input on draft plans. Those requests have been ignored. The proposed plan calls for far fewer public hearings than were provided in 2011 when 62 hearings in 36 counties were convened before and after maps were drafted. With communications technology making the sharing of information easier, we should be increasing transparency, not moving backward.