Agenda - 11-15-2005-9a - Laserfiche WebLink

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LAW OFFICES COLEMAN, GLEDHIL.L, HARGRAVE & PEEK A PROFL•SSIONAL COMORATION t29 E TRYON STREET P.O DRAWER 1529 HILLSBOROUGH, NORTH CAROLINA 27278 919~732~2196 FAX 919-73b7997 umnv. cgandh com October 26, 2005 Moses Carey, Jr., Chair Valerie P, Foushee Alice M. Gordon Stephen Halkiotis Barry Jacobs Orange County Board of Commissioners Post Office Box 8181 Hillsborough, North Carolina 27278 FROM THE DESK OF GEOFFREY E. GLEDHILL E,MAII seofieeysleJhiil~cgand6cmn RE: Redistricting in a District Election System Dear Board Members: This letter summarizes how redistricting would work were Orange County to elect its Commissioners in whole or in part by (1) districts for the purpose of nominating or electing persons to the Board of Commissioners or (2) districts for residency purposes only, North Carolina General Statute ~ 153A-22 contains the requirement and the process of redistricting where electoral districts are for the purpose of nominating or electing persons to the Board of Commissioners. Generally speaking, it creates a standard of "substantial inequality of population among the districts," and provides that the Board of Commissioners, by resolution, can redefine the electoral districts in response to substantial inequality of population among the districts. The "redefined" electoral districts, after redistricting, must be "as nearly equal as practicable." And, the redefined electoral districts must meet the constitutional, one person one vote requirement. If a district plan approved by the voters is a residency only one, there is no statutory mechanism for redistricting by resolution of the Board of Commissioners. "Redistricting" would have to be done either by another referendum creating the redefined districts or by special act or authority of the