Voters express redistricting concerns

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — The November election is about two weeks away. In Raleigh, lawmakers are moving forward with newly proposed voting maps for the N.C. House, N.C. Senate, and Congress.  

The General Assembly gave final approval on Wednesday to new redistricting maps. 

Analysts believe these maps will solidify a veto-proof majority for Republicans and give them an advantage in 10 of the state’s 14 Congressional Districts. 

The people we spoke with today said this redistricting is unfair. 

“When they start redistricting, they are actually pushing people back they are not bringing people together,” Attendee, Robert Bellamy, said. 

Currently, Republicans hold super-majority status in both the N.C. House and N.C. Senate. Congressional representation is evenly split with seven Democrats and seven Republicans.   

On Monday, the Senate passed the new Congressional maps and the Senate maps passed on a second reading.  

Meanwhile, the House passed the new House Maps Bill.  

On Wednesday, some voters gathered in Downtown Wilmington, expressing concerns this redistricting will have for visible minorities.  

“I want everyone to unleash their power. We as a community, as people, have the power to fix this. But we have to unleash our power at the polls,” National Black Leadership Caucus Southeastern Region Chair, Sonya Patrick, said. 

Patrick said continuing to advocate even after elections end is a vital tool in her mission to see a change. 

Robert Bellamy attended Wednesday’s event and said this fight against redistricting is not over.  

“To fight against it. To fight against all the injustices that’s happening right here in the Wilmington area,” Bellamy said. 

This November’s election is around two weeks away. 

While these maps won’t affect this election there is one change from last year, you will need to show a photo I.D. in order to vote.