In late February, Chesterfield County received official 2010 population data for the county from the U.S. Bureau of the Census. This population data confirmed that Chesterfield County will need to redistrict its five magisterial districts in order to equalize the population among the districts. Currently, the population in the five districts is as follows:
- Bermuda, 66,596
- Clover Hill, 55,546
- Dale, 60,211
- Matoaca, 75,136
- Midlothian, 58,747
The County’s total population is 316,236, and the optimal population for each district is 63,247. However, districts may vary from the optimal population by plus or minus five percent and still be considered “equalized.”
Over the past few weeks, two different approaches to redistricting have been developed to equalize the county’s population and satisfy the legal requirements governing the redistricting process. As a result, two proposed redistricting plans have been created for consideration by county residents and the Board of Supervisors.
Before the board can adopt a final redistricting plan, it must conduct a public hearing.