Anderson City Council tables redistricting session after federal lawsuit

The Anderson City Council on Thursday night tabled action on redistricting council districts in the city, as part of a lawsuit brought last year. IPR’s Thomas Ouellette reports on what comes
next.

Council members voted to table the redistricting discussion for a future executive meeting, a recommendation from the council’s attorney Rosemary Khoury.

Council members have drawn up a potential map for the redistricting. Their legal council however, suggested having the map reviewed before being submitted to a judge.

Local groups sued in federal court to force the council to redistrict using 2020 US Census numbers. During conversation on whether to table the discussion, council member Ollie Dixon voiced his displeasure of relying too much on outside assistance for what he believes is the sole responsibility of the Anderson city council.

“I’m going to defend my constituents, those people who elected me 36 years to represent them. In the city of Anderson, the Anderson City Council solely does redistricting. All nine of us, we were elected to represent this city,” said Dixon.

“If you didn’t want the job, then don’t take the job.”

The members of the council and their representation declined to answer any further questions on the future of redistricting.

Dixon says the deadline for drawing new district maps is July 2025.

Thomas Ouellette is our reporter and producer.  Contact him at thomas.ouellette@bsu.edu.