Southwick will continue to have three voting districts, but some voters are now in a different district from the one in which they cast ballots during the past decade, according to the town's new redistricting plan.
Some Southwick voters may find themselves voting in a new district, compliments of the town's redistricting plan after the 2010 census.SOUTHWICK -- The town will continue to have three voting districts, but some residents are now in a different district from the one in which they had voted during the past decade, according to Southwick's new redistricting plan.
Town Clerk Michelle L. Hill and Assistant Town Clerk Pauline Cebula appeared before the Board of Selectmen Monday night with the redistricting plan, which accounts for the population rise reflected in the 2010 census.
The plan was accepted as presented and will be submitted to Secretary of State William F. Galvin's office for final approval.
Statewide, all communities must submit redistricting plans to the secretary of state's office by June 15, said Brian McNiff, a spokesman for Galvin.
The new plans will be implemented on Dec. 31, 2011, and will remain in effect until the 2020 census, according to McNiff.
“Every 10 years, every community has to look at its precincts, which may have little or no change,” he said. “Even in a community with little change, there could be a shift caused by a new housing development” that has attracted more people.
McNiff said all communities must conform with state statutes.
Southwick’s population rose from 8,835 to 9,502, according to the latest census.
The census numbers “are the building blocks for the redistricting of the Legislature, Governor’s Council and United States House of Representatives,” McNiff said.
For Southwick residents, this means that some may be voting in new precincts for the presidential primary election and next year's town and special meetings, McNiff said.
Selectman Russel S. Fox said it is important “to get the word out” to town voters well in advance of town and special meetings so that all residents are aware of precinct changes.
“It would be great to get together with both (political) parties and the public so that there is no confusion,” he said.
A description of each new precinct, as well as a map of the town by precinct, will be posted on the Southwick web site at www.southwickma.org.