Resources and Ways to Engage with Redistricting

By Holly Edmondson, NASW-NC Intern

North Carolina’s redistricting process began in August. Redistricting affects almost everything that social workers do, because it helps determine who represents individuals and communities in the North Carolina General Assembly and the United States Congress. See previous information and details about redistricting on our website. 

Right now, legislators are holding public hearings across the state and allowing for public comment at these hearings and on the website. Once the hearings are over, legislators plan to draw the new maps based on feedback. However, once the maps are released, there are currently no plans for more public hearings to provide feedback once maps are drawn and released so now is a great time to voice your feedback.

If you are interested in making public comments but unsure where to start, All On The Line (AOTL) has two upcoming virtual Public Testimony Trainings on Monday September 20th and 27th from 6:30pm-8:00pm. They have also created a North Carolina Public Testimony Worksheet to help guide making comments. Lastly, this article discusses strategies that can be used by the public to comment on the redistricting process.

Below are the remaining public hearings. You can register as a speaker online. They will post sign up forms as meeting dates approach so be sure to check back for registration if it is not yet available. If you are unable to attend a hearing, you can follow this link to submit a public comment. 

Sept. 21 | Western Carolina University, 5 p.m.

Sept. 22 | Central Piedmont Community College, 3 p.m.

Sept. 23 | Mitchell Community College (Iredell County Campus), 3 p.m.

Sept. 28 | UNC-Pembroke, 4 p.m.

Sept. 29 | UNC-Wilmington, 5 p.m.

Sept. 30 | Fayetteville Technical Community College, 6 p.m.

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about redistricting and we hope you feel empowered to join in advocating for a fair redistricting process in North Carolina!