2011-066 RES REDISTRICTING POLITICAL BOUNDARIES AND CITY COUNCIL DISTRICTS

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viable voting majority of ethnic, race or language minority voters, it is necessary to attain a voting age population within at least one City Council Ward of approximately 55% or better. In order to accomplish this high number of voting age population, a total population figure in excess of 60% is typically required. This is due to the statistically younger populations in most minority categories; which yield lower numbers of voting age residents, and in historically ]ower voting age turnout in minority communities of interest. A determination of whether or not the minority populations in these areas could be joined in a single Ward, or perhaps concentrated in an effort to maximize minority impact upon elections is difficult to assess without a more detailed evaluation of historical voting patterns, racial demographics, and the realities of political boundaries. When taken with the numerical imbalances that must be addressed, it would appear that if at all possible, minority populations might be concentrated in at least one City Council Ward to the degree possible to achieve an acceptable potentiai minority concentration. Typically, the City Council Ward with the largest minority concentration prior to redrawing lines is the best candidate for any altemative plan, but other possible constructions of Ward lines might well result in a favorable racial profile. Fragmenting minority population concentrations must be avoided. Any modification of political boundaries to accomplish coinpliance with the requirements of the Voting Rights Act must be carefully considered. Maps for Hispanic and Black populations are provided in this assessment. Other Non-Anglo Populations, such as Asian, American lndian, Pacific Islander, Other or Multi- racial categories in excess of 3% aggregate will also be mapped. Initial Assessment Page 7 of 9