Redistricting Bill to Split Fort Hunt into Two Senate Districts

After weeks of negotiations, Governor Bob McDonnell signed a redistricting bill last month that splits Fort Hunt residents into two senate districts, shifting some into the 30th district, while the rest remain in the 36th district.

Fort Hunt residents living south of Carl Sandburg Middle School along Fort Hunt road would become part of the 30th senate district, while those living in regions that are north of Fort Hunt road would stay in the 36th senate district.  The 30th district would also expand to include the Mount Vernon estate.

Under the new boundaries, senator Toddy Puller’s (D-36) district loses parts of Mount Vernon, Fort Hunt and Fort Belvoir, while gaining territory in the Fairfield and Groveton areas.

The bill shows near-identical boundaries for the Fort Hunt area as the , which was passed by the democrat-controlled senate, but vetoed by the governor.

The boundary lines have received criticism for dividing up local communities, and in some cases, voting precincts.  For instance, a map of the new boundaries shows that a slice of the Sratford precint is in the 30th district while, the rest is in the the 36th.

The new state senate boundaries mean that Fort Hunt residents in the new 30th district would vote in the

The governor’s approval comes ahead of the June 15th deadline for local politicians to file for primary candidacy.

In accordance, with the 1965 Voting Rights Act, Virginia must submit its plan to the U.S. Department of Justice for a 60-day review to ensure that the maps do not discriminate against minority voters.

The plan, if passed, would also give three new delegates and a new Senate seat to Northern Virginia, based out of Loudoun and Prince William Counties.

Under the republican-controlled House boundary map, Fort Hunt would remain in the 44th district. Delegate Scott Surovell’s 44th district loses territory in the Huntington and southern Mount Vernon areas, but gains some in the Fort Belvoir and Hybla Valley area.

The redistricting process happens every ten years to accommodate changes in population growth.  Senate districts are aim for 200,026 residents, while the House of Delegates strive for to have 80,000 people in its districts.

To see an interactive map of the new plans click here.

Rachael Dickson and Brian Kerbs contributed reporting.