Community voices opinions on congressional redistricting at public hearing Monday

CASTLE HAYNE, NC (WWAY) —  North Carolina legislative leaders held six public hearings across the state today to get feedback from residents about the possibility of having to redraw congressional district maps.

State attorneys say the maps are legal and should be used in next month’s primary, but they needed a plan if the U.S. Supreme Court does not step in.

Today’s meetings took place because federal judges last week struck down the 1st and 12th districts because their lines are illegal because they were drawn based on race.

The room was packed as people gathered at CFCC North campus to voice their opinions.

“Race should not play any part in the political considerations for redrawing our districts,” presenter Bob Williams said. “The color of our skin should not predetermine what political party we belong to or for whom we vote.”

Each speaker had five minutes to present their opinion. Organizers say there were about 40 people expected to speak just at the New Hanover county meeting.

Federal judges want new maps by Friday.