Fourteen of the 18 black House members and five of the seven black senators come from districts that are too small, according to census data. This includes all three African-American legislators in Guilford County. The solution could entail putting more white and perhaps Republican voters in these districts, further eroding black majorities. For instance, Rep. Alma Adams, D-Guilford, serves a largely black area centered in east Greensboro that is about 9,000 people under the ideal size. Her district must pick up more residents.
Race poses difficulties in redistricting.
Federal law prohibits states from diluting minority voting power, but the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that legislatures cannot take race too much into consideration. Whose, I don't know. Sen. Bill Martin, D-Guilford, an African American who needs about 24,000 people added to his turf, said the redistricting panels could craft lines to preserve black representation if that is a priority. Top 50 Companies Find out which Triad companies have the strongest stocks and the brightest outlook. Story ideas Contact the newsroom with story ideas.