How Proposed Redistricting Plans Affect Centreville

On a macro level, redistricting plans for the Virginia State Senate and House of Delegates will have a big impact on state politics. But on the micro level, citizens will see changes as well.

Here's a short breakdown of how the proposed plans will affect Centreville:

State Senate

The biggest changes to Centreville's representation appear to lay in the state Senate. All of Centreville currently lays in the boundaries of the 37th district, represented by Sen. Dave Marsden, a Democrat. Under the Senate's plan, Deer Park, Poplar Tree, Cub Run and the adjoining precincts, Rocky Run, Greenbriar East and West, will be cut out of the 37th district and placed in the 34th, which is currently represented by Democratic Sen. Chap Petersen. 

The 37th district will become slightly more Democratic, according to predictions based on previous voting records, compiled by the Virginia Public Access Project, a nonprofit organization that promotes transparency in government. 

To view an interactive map detailing how representation would change, click here. Under "District Type," choose "Senate." Then 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."

Post your observations in the comments section of this article when you are finished.

House of Delegates

Under the current proposals, both the 67th and the 40th districts would become slightly more Republican, the Virginia Public Access Project predicts. 

Incumbent delegates Tim Hugo, R-40th district, and Jim LeMunyon, R-67th district, would benefit from the changes. Both districts, however, are already Republican-leaning.

The maps are now in the hands of Gov. Bob McDonnell, who can add amendments to the maps, veto them or substitute a plan of his own. Early in the process to make suggestions; the commission ended up being mostly a symbolic gesture, as politicians from both parties opted to ignore their recommendations. 

To see how the districts that include Centreville would change, click here to see an interactive 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.

Post your observations in the comments section of this article to help get a discussion going on the topic.