State legislators are gearing up for a road show to hear from constituents as they prepare to redraw political districts in every corner of South Carolina. Updated data from the 2020 census is expected to be delivered to state leaders by mid-August, with new population figures impacting where district lines will fall until the next census in 2030.
In Charleston, House and Senate committee members will each visit once over the next six weeks to hear from voters.
House and Senate redistricting committees will undertake the process in parallel before the new maps are agreed to. Each chamber will work on their own districts as well as congressional districts statewide. Senate leaders say they expect the process to be finished by October. Before state mapmakers get started redrawing lines, members of both the committees are hosting public hearings statewide to engage voters and collect public input.
The series of hearings allow the public to learn and ask questions on subjects like gerrymandering and what changes could be coming with expected population changes. These meetings are some of the only chances residents will have to engage with officials during the redistricting process.
Each meeting will be recorded and available to watch after the meeting. Can’t make it to the Charleston meeting? Check each chamber’s website for meeting times elsewhere.
Senate redistricting committee meeting:
6:30 p.m., Tuesday (Aug. 10) at Trident Technical College (7000 Rivers Ave.)
Website: redistricting.scsenate.gov
House redistricting committee meeting:
6-8 p.m., Sept. 14 at North Charleston City Hall (2500 City Hall Lane)
NOTE: House meetings are subject to change.
Website: redistricting.schouse.gov
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