On April 1, 2010, the U.S. Census Bureau conducted the twenty-third decennial census. The U. S. Constitution, federal and state laws require that electoral districts be periodically adjusted or redrawn to account for shifts in population. One of the most important components of the census information is the validation of the County’s current population. Using this population information, the County must adjust its election districts lines. Most Virginia localities, including Goochland County, are subject to Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act that requires “preclearance“ from the U.S. Department of Justice before implementing a new redistricting plan. All counties with regular elections for 2011 must complete the redistricting process and obtain preclearance from the Justice Department in time to conduct such election in 2011.

The primary objective of the Goochland County Redistricting 2011 process is to develop a plan that is in full compliance with the federal and state laws that govern reapportionment.

Citizen input is a critical component in Goochland County’s Redistricting 2011 process. The community meetings will provide citizens an opportunity to view the Board’s initial effort to revise the district boundaries and provide input. All comments from these meetings will be presented to the Board of Supervisors at a special meeting the week of April 11, 2011