| All five of Sussex County councilmanic districts would change under a newly unveiled proposed redistricting plan.
Earlier this month (12/14), County Attorney J. Everett Moore Jr. presented County Council with a draft map – influenced by public suggestions solicited earlier this fall – that would redraw the boundaries of the five councilmanic districts.
The new map was the latest step in the redistricting process Sussex County and other jurisdictions across the nation must complete once-per-decade following the U.S. Census to guarantee equal representation. Based on the 2020 U.S. Census, Sussex County’s population increased more than 20% since 2010, jumping to 237,378 residents. Each of the county’s new councilmanic districts must contain 47,475 residents, plus or minus 5%.
During this census cycle, the federal government was more than four months late delivering population data to state and local governments, significantly delaying the redistricting process.
The proposed map is available on the county’s website for public review. Comments can be submitted, either electronically (redistricting@sussexcountyde.gov) or by standard mail through 4:30 p.m., Friday, January 7. Letters should be addressed to the Clerk of the Sussex County Council, P.O. Box 589, Georgetown, DE 19947.
Following the public comment period, Mr. Moore will report back to council before a formal ordinance and final draft map are introduced for consideration early in the upcoming year. |
