State Senate approves new district map

The N.C. Senate gave final approval today to a redrawing of districts in New Hanover and Pender counties.

The House approved the plan last month.

The Governor’s signature is not needed, but federal attorneys likely will be asked to sign off on the map so it can be used in the 2010 elections.

The redrawing occurred because Supreme Court justices in March upheld a state Supreme Court ruling that determined democratic Representative Sandra Spaulding Hughes’ district was unlawful due to racial gerrymandering, or moving political boundaries to achieve racial goals.