Five Things to Know About Redistricting

1) Impact on Centreville. Under the current plan now before Governor, the Centreville community is carved into three districts for the House of Delegates: the 67th, 40th, and 37th. Previously there were two delegates each representing portions of Centreville. A sliver-shaped section of Centreville, including Powell and both London Towne precincts will now be placed in the 37th district.

For the Senate, Centreville is divided into two districts, the 37th and the 34th. A portion of the community, once represented by the same senator as the rest of Centreville, will now find themselves in the 34th district. This includes residents in the Cub Run and Deer Park precincts. 

2) Confused yet? Find out which senate district your neighborhood will be in by using this interactive map. Under "District Type," choose "Senate." Under "Senate plans," check "HB5001 Conference, Senate." Zoom in and move the map to the Centreville area. Then compare the current district to the proposed plan by checking "current Senate districts."

To see what district your neighborhood will be in for the House of Delegates, go to the same map. Under "District Type," select "House" and "HB5001 passed Senate (House Districts)." Zoom in and move the map to the Centreville area. Then select "Current House Districts" to see how the two compare.

Don't give up if it doesn't work right away. It takes some time and effort. 

3) Why redistricting? Virginia is required by law to adjust the boundaries of the 40 state Senate seats and 100 delegate districts once every 10 years, based on Census numbers. 

Because of Virginia's past history with racial discrimination, state redistricting plans must be submitted to the Department of Justice for approval. An unfortunate consequence is that the process moves at a speed that offers the public little opportunity for input.

Local governments must also go through a separate redistricting process, but this article focuses on the changes in the state. For more information on the local process, . 

4) Politics as usual. Despite , elected officials in both the House of Delegates and the State Senate have divided the maps in a way that primarily benefits themselves. An Associated Press report from early this month sums up the situation:

"Virginia lawmakers listened...as college students, black leaders, Latino advocates and other reformers appealed for a less political process for redrawing the state’s legislative districts.

Then the legislators opened a lightning-round special session to advance fast-tracked bills by House and Senate majorities peppered with districts contorted to protect incumbents and preserve partisan advantages."

5) Disagree with any of this? Then call Governor Bob McDonnell today. The Governor has the authority to amend the plans, veto them or submit his own. This could take place at any time. 

His number is 804-786-2211. Or send an online message to his office with your concerns, but phone calls tend to be more effective. 

Then make your voice heard through this publication. Write a letter to the editor, send it to mary.stachyra@patch.com, and make sure to include your phone number so we can verify your identity (your number will not be published). Share your observations and any concerns with the larger community.