Orange County NC Website
10 <br /> • Single-members districts —Voters living in a district vote for one <br /> commissioner who lives in the same district, in both the primary and general <br /> election (True Election Districts). <br /> The following combinations of single member districts were proposed— <br /> seven, seven to nine, nine, five and two at-large, and seven and two at-large. <br /> Those favoring single member districts suggested that such a structure <br /> would give voters in different communities in the county more opportunity <br /> to vote for someone who would truly represent them. Single member <br /> districts would be easier to understand and would avoid confusion over <br /> whom voters were voting for. It would allow equal representation of each <br /> voter and their perspectives, and campaigning in single member districts <br /> would be more affordable than campaigning for a county-wide seat. <br /> Representatives would be directly linked to their constituents. The more <br /> districts that were allowed, the more areas could be represented. <br /> • Blended districts — In the primary, district voters nominate candidates <br /> residing in the district but in the general election, all voters in the county <br /> elect all commissioners. <br /> • Residency districts — Candidates must live within the district; but instead of <br /> only voters in the district voting for them, all county voters vote in the <br /> primary and general for the district commissioner. <br /> The BEAG went back to its Charge, and determined that the best method for <br /> proportionality, equity, better representation and maximum voter engagement was <br /> the 3rd option (single-member districts). <br /> Following discussion of all the options including the method of election and the <br /> number of commissioners and districts, the BEAG coalesced on the following <br /> recommendations to the BOCC. <br /> July 22, 2021 Meeting <br /> The BEAG discussed two drafts of a final Report. One draft was selected. After <br /> discussion, the BEAG voted to incorporate certain sections from the other report <br /> into the selected draft. Minor changes were also made to the Appendices. The <br /> BEAG agreed to meet on August 5, 2021 to review the changes it had approved in <br /> a final Report. It also recommended to the Board of Commissioners its preference <br /> 9 <br />