The proposed Congressional map that came out of a Republican-led committee Wednesday inspired fierce and immediate opposition. It would split up Shelby County into two Congressional districts and Davidson into three.
Rep. Antonio Parkinson, D-Memphis, was adamant that the proposed changes benefit the Republican party and not voters.
“If you look at the split in Davidson County, it’s vicious,” said Parkinson. “If you look at the dilution of the minority citizens in Davidson County, it’s vicious.”
The new maps would pair North and West Nashville with rural counties like Wayne and Hickman, while those in East Nashville would be voting for the same congressman as some in East Tennessee. Debby Gould, president of the League of Women Voters of Tennessee, believes that situation is also unfair to voters in the rural counties.
“The [Fifth District] map that has been submitted, for example, goes all the way down to Marshall County, and Marshall County and Davidson County are pretty far away in terms of their needs,” said Gould.
Republican leadership say dividing Davidson County was necessary to make sure each district had similar populations. However, maps proposed by both Democrats and the League of Women Voters kept Davidson whole.
“Our intent was to try and keep Davidson County whole and also make sure that some of the surrounding counties that are growing the most rapidly had a chance to be joined together,” said Gould. That way, she says, all areas within the district would have similar interest.
Despite the backlash, the map was passed out of the Public Service Subcommittee Wednesday. It now heads to the State Government Committee.
On Air - 90.3 WPLN-FM