Voters Call New Map Unfair, Divisive

CHARLOTTE, NC — Heavy criticism for North Carolina’s proposed new voter map.

People spent hours Tuesday ripping the new districts at the state’s only public hearing on the issue.

Federal judges threw out the old map, calling it unconstitutional.

The tension was obvious at Mecklenburg County’s public hearing.

“Our government is a disgrace,” said Taylor Allen.

In Mecklenburg County, one of the most populated counties in North Carolina, less than 80 packed a CPCC classroom.

Security denied entry to dozens ready to fight for fair voter maps, sighting fire code.

“This process looks like it’s been set up to shut down the voice of the people,” said Terry Taylor-Allen.

Security eventually let everyone in the room.

Seven counties joined the lengthy video conference in front of lawmakers.

“They have done a disservice by these maps,” said Marcus Bass with Democracy NC.

This map is supposed to fix the unconstitutional map that federal judges said suppressed African-American voters.

“They have not taken the due diligence they should’ve taken when the Supreme Court ordered a redraw of these maps,” said Bass.

Voters there don’t like that some districts span several cities and they want to see demographic data.

“I definitely want to see the breakdown by race,” said Bass.

WCCB Charlotte took the map to Mecklenburg County Board of Elections Director Michael Dickerson.

He could only provide party break down but says districts should be divided by equal population.

“You want it compact enough of a district that there some commonality between those in the district,” said Dickerson.

Rep. Andy Dulin expects to see demographic data this week before lawmakers vote.

“The demographic data will come out,” said Rep. Dulin (R) Mecklenburg. “I mean it’s a complicated process of being done in a very short time.”
Sen. Joyce Waddell says she’ll vote no.

“I saw this two days ago,” said Sen. Waddell, (D) Mecklenburg. “There was not enough time to look at the criteria to see if it’s fair.”

Voters predict the court won’t accept this.

“It is symbolic of everything that is wrong with our democracy now as a country and specifically North Carolina,” said Allen.

Another controversial topic was the Republican consultant hired to redraw the legislative districts.

His name is Tom Hofeller. He’s the same man who came up with the original map the court said was illegal.