Leland leaders consider voting districts amid growth concerns

LELAND, NC (WWAY) — Leland town leaders are exploring the possibility of shifting to voting districts as the community continues to grow.

During a council agenda meeting Monday, members received a presentation on how voting districts could work and what benefits they may bring.

Allen Serkin, executive director of the Cape Fear Council of Governments, explained that moving to districts could help council members better understand and represent specific areas of town when making decisions.

The discussion comes as some leaders and residents raise concerns about fair representation amid Leland’s rapid growth.

Last week, WWAY spoke with Council Member Veronica Carter, who said she believes the time is right to consider redistricting.

“I believe that districting not only gives people a voice, but it gives them a seat at the table,” Carter said. “It also forces us as a town to work together. One particular neighborhood’s not gonna control any part of the town. If we add two seats and we have a matter of six districts and the mayor, then we’re gonna need four folks to agree on anything.”

Carter said some residents worry that as certain parts of Leland expand, not all areas may be equally represented on the town council.

Following Monday’s presentation, council members plan to review the information further and revisit the topic at a future meeting to determine next steps.