Richmond City Council encourages, invites, and requests interested Richmond residents to share their questions, comments, data, alternate redistricting plans, suggestions, etc. via the Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting email address:
redistricting@rva.gov
Redistricting underway
Richmond’s very public Richmond City Council – Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting process began in early October 2021 and will include nearly two dozen public meetings and discussions, public hearings, engagement sessions.
The Richmond City Council - Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting process commenced on December 21, 2021, during the public Richmond City Council Special Meeting, with the adoption of Richmond City Council Resolution # 2021-R084, a resolution for establishing criteria and a timeline to assist in guiding its public 2021/2022 Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting process and plan creation for reapportioning and redistricting the local Richmond Voter Districts. The Richmond Voter Districts are to be reapportioned in 2022.
You are invited to participate
Richmond City Council continues to be committed to ensuring the 2021/2022 Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting process and plan are clearly defined, transparent, inclusive, and equitable and are driven by and responsive to providing opportunity for public engagement, involvement, inclusion, discussion, awareness, feedback, deliberation, comment, and input on behalf of Richmond residents.
Outreach, Engagement and Participation
Richmond residents are invited and encouraged to participate and be engaged and involved in public outreach meetings and share their comments, thoughts, and/or ideas regarding the 2021/2022 Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting process and any proposed plan or plans.
The Richmond redistricting process includes three information sessions, three map drawing sessions, extensive comment periods, and public hearings; and is considered one of the most transparent, extensive, and public local government Redistricting efforts.
Redistricting Schedule
The schedule includes public transparency links to all past meetings, (which include details, videos, attachments, minutes, etc. for those who may have missed a meeting, are keen for additional information, or would like to review a meeting again) and upcoming meetings for public involvement, engagement, awareness, and input.
- Wednesday, February 9, 2022; 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Public drawing of Richmond Voter District Map Options
- Thursday, February 10, 2022; 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Public drawing of Richmond Voter District Map Options
- Friday, February 11, 2022; Noon-2:00 p.m.
Public drawing of Richmond Voter District Map Options
- Monday, February 14, 2022; 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Richmond City Council Formal Meeting
- Wednesday, February 23, 2022; 3:30-5:00 p.m. (additional meeting added 2.17.2022)
Richmond City Council Special Meeting - Redistricting
https://richmondva.legistar.com/MeetingDetail.aspx?ID=932294&GUID=4217F…
At the conclusion of the Redistricting Special meeting held on 2.23.2022, a map referred to as 2A was discussed and requested by Councilmembers. After the meeting, it was determined the proposed map did not meet the deviance percentage to balance the voter district. As a result adjustments were made to the proposed map to balance it, however it was slightly different than that discussed at the public meeting. President Newbille requested that Map 2A be placed on the agenda for discussion and decision in a public meeting by all members of Council.
- Monday, February 28, 2022; 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Richmond City Council Formal Meeting
Council redistricting information and engagement
Tuesday, March 1, 2022; 6:00-8:00 p.m. (not a meeting/moved to 3.8.2022 on 3.7.2022)
30 Day Public Comment Period on draft Redistricting plan/plans begins
- Monday, March 7, 2022; 5:00-6:30 p.m. (additional meeting added 3.2.2022/Updated 3.4.2022)
Richmond City Council Special Meeting
Introduction of a draft redistricting plan/s for public comment/Update
redistricting schedule. The meeting was held to introduce two resolutions related
to redistricting under expedited consideration. The meeting also included a review of proposed Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting Demonstration Map 2C (https://richmond-redistricting-cor.hub.arcgis.com/).
Draft Demonstration Map 2C was presented and selected for public comment. (Note: This is not a final map/plan and is for continued public comments and engagement - Council Introduction of final redistricting plan is anticipated to occur on Monday, April 25, 2022; 6:00-8:00 p.m.)
- Tuesday, March 8, 2022 (not a meeting)
30 Day (actually 49 day) Public Comment Period on draft Redistricting Plan begins (Note: This is not a final map/plan and is for continued public comments and engagement.)
- Monday, April 11, 2022; 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Richmond City Council Formal Meeting
https://richmondva.legistar.com/MeetingDetail.aspx?ID=902222&GUID=0134C…
Council Redistricting information and engagement (public comment/engagement continues).
- Monday, April 25, 2022; 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Richmond City Council Formal Meeting
https://richmondva.legistar.com/MeetingDetail.aspx?ID=902223&GUID=5BECA…
Final day for public comment on draft plan
(49 days of public comment [Note: 19 additional days/more than 30]).
Introduction of final redistricting plan.
- Monday, May 23, 2022; 6:00-8:00 p.m. (updated 3.7.2022)
Richmond City Council Formal Meeting
https://richmondva.legistar.com/MeetingDetail.aspx?ID=902225&GUID=19408…
Final public hearing and adoption of final redistricting plan. Council (City) Clerk
publishes notice of final redistricting plan.
- Wednesday, June 22, 2022 (not a meeting)
Redistricting plan/New Voter District map takes effect
(NOTE: Prior date for plan taking effect was 5.26.2022 and was extended further on 3.7.2022 to provide even more public input.)
Working schedule subject to additions and updates.
- NOTE: Redistricting discussions may also take place in other public meetings. Meetings are subject to updates.
Check out Demonstration Maps!
Public drawing of Richmond Voter District Map Options:
Demonstration Map/s and Shape Files
Sessions Held
- Public drawing of Richmond Voter District Map Options
Wednesday, February 9, 2022; 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Video of meeting
Demonstration Map/s and Shape Files
- Public drawing of Richmond Voter District Map Options
Thursday, February 10, 2022; 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Video of meeting
Demonstration Map/s and Shape Files
- Public drawing of Richmond Voter District Map Options
Friday, February 11, 2022; Noon-2:00 p.m.
Video of meeting
Demonstration Map/s and Shape Files
Help get the word out about Redistricting
Please find the following Redistricting posters, flyers, and handouts for sharing, printing, posting, etc. Thank you for your help and involvement with this process!
Redistricting Meeting Schedule - Poster @ 11" x 17"
English Spanish
Redistricting Meeting Schedule - Flyer @ 8.5" x 11"
English Spanish
Redistricting Meeting Schedule - Social Media Graphic @ 1920x1080px
English Spanish
Direct links to Information & Engagement Meeting Videos!
Monday, February 14, 2022; 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Richmond City Council Formal Meeting
Adoption of amendments to Council Res. No. 2021-R084 (revised redistricting schedule)
Council Redistricting Information and Engagement Meeting # 1
originally held January 20, 2022; 6:00-8:00 p.m.
Council Redistricting Information and Engagement Meeting # 2
originally held January 21, 2022; Noon-2:00 p.m.
Council Redistricting Information and Engagement Meeting # 3
originally held January 27, 2022; 5:00-6:30 p.m.
About Redistricting
Every 10 years (Decennially), following the release of the decennial census by the U.S. Bureau of the Census, voter districts across the nation are updated (reapportioned and redistricted) to reflect population shifts and changes in over that time in order to provide equality of representation on behalf of residents when participating in general, primary, and/or special governmental elections.
Richmond chose public process and inclusion
Localities in Virginia have two state options for performing their reapportionment this time. Richmond City Council using the one that provides more public input, discussion, awareness, engagement, feedback, deliberations, comment, inclusion, and opportunity on behalf of Richmond residents. Reapportioned Richmond Voter Districts will be established in 2022.
How Richmond Voter Districts are used
To operate our local government services, our city is divided into nine geographic/demographic Richmond Voter Districts. We, as Richmond residents, use these to elect individual local members of Richmond City Council, Richmond Public Schools Board of Trustees, and a Mayor (who must earn the most votes in five of the nine Richmond Voter Districts).
Richmond Redistricting
State law requires Richmond City Council to reapportion/redistrict the local Richmond Voter Districts boundaries every 10 year based on U.S. Census data. This is known as the Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting process. The updated Richmond Voter Districts are to be established in 2022.
2021-2022 Richmond Redistricting Population
Richmond Redistricting Population: 228,501
- Richmond’s population numbers were adjusted to comply with Virginia law.
- The adjusted Richmond population numbers were updated to respond to recently amended state law regarding redistricting performed 2021 onward - in that population numbers used for reapportionment and redistricting are to reflect persons incarcerated in federal prisons and in state and local correctional facilities, including city jails - and reassign them to their pre-incarceration home residence.
- The adjusted population numbers to be used for Richmond Redistricting map drawing will be 228,501, up from current U.S. Census numbers of 226,610.
- Total 2021-2022 Richmond Redistricting Population: 228,501
Includes U.S. Bureau of the Census - 2020 U.S. Census Richmond population (226,610), as adjusted by the Virginia General Assembly Division of Legislative Services (increase of 1,891) for a total population for reapportionment and redistricting of 228,501.
- The adjusted population for Redistricting, which are dispersed throughout the city, adds 1,891 persons to Census numbers.
- Because there are nine local Richmond Voter Districts, dividing the adjusted Richmond Redistricting Population of 228,501 by nine to find the average or “ideal” number of persons living in each District results in 25,389 per District.
- Variances/deviations of no greater than 5 percent above or below the “ideal” population per District, are generally acceptable.
The adjusted Redistricting population numbers include Census numbers and persons who were incarcerated in Virginia and provided Richmond as their home address, as adjusted by the Virginia General Assembly Division of Legislative Services pursuant to the Virginia Code of Laws § 24.2-314, et seq.).
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Four Richmond Voter Districts have changes beyond 5% variance/deviation
With the adjusted population numbers, the city now has four (up from a previous three) Richmond Voter Districts whose numbers are outside a five percent variance/deviation of what represents an “ideal” number of 25,389 persons living in them (which is the total population divided by nine Richmond Voter Districts). These include:
- Richmond North Central 2nd Voter District
Adjusted Richmond Redistricting population makes the Richmond North Central 2nd Voter District over the “ideal” population (of 25,389) by +1,871 residents, with a variance of +7.37% (Previous variance, using just U. S. Census population, was +8.02 %). This means the Richmond North Central 2nd Voter District would need to move at least an estimated 614 people out of that district to be within +5% variance.
- Richmond Northside 3rd Voter District
Adjusted Richmond Redistricting population makes the Richmond Northside 3rd Voter District under the “ideal” population (of 25,389) by -2,794 residents, with a variance of -11.00% (Previous variance, using just U. S. Census population, was -11.69%). This means the Richmond Northside 3rd Voter District would need to move at least an estimated 1537 people into of that district to be within -5% variance.
- Richmond Gateway 6th Voter District
Adjusted Richmond Redistricting population makes the Richmond Gateway 6th Voter District over the “ideal” population (of 25,389) by +1,439 residents, with a variance of +5.67% (Previous variance, using just U. S. Census population, was +6.96%). This means the Richmond Gateway 6th Voter District would need to move at least an estimated 182 people out of that district to be within +5% variance.
- Richmond East End 7th Voter District
Adjusted Richmond Redistricting population makes the Richmond East End 7th Voter District over the “ideal population (of 25,389) by +1,294 residents, with a variance of +5.10% (Previous variance, using just U. S. Census population, was +4.29%). This means the Richmond East End 7th Voter District would need to move at least an estimated 37 people out of that district to be within +5% variance.
Note: Click each district map to view a larger version.
2021-2022 Richmond City Council Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting
Benchmark Analysis Table & Criteria
2021-2022 Richmond Redistricting Population Demographics
(ncesservices block level export from Maptitude)
- Richmond Redistricting Population Demographics Spreadsheet 1
- Richmond Redistricting Population Demographics Spreadsheet 2 (Column Key)
- Richmond Virginia—U.S. Bureau of the Census
Public Input, Meetings, and Schedule
Richmond City Council is committed to ensuring its redistricting process is clearly defined, transparent, inclusive, equitable, and driven by and responsive to resident input, discussion, awareness, engagement, feedback, deliberations, comment, inclusion, and opportunity on behalf of Richmond residents.
The intent of the redistricting criteria and timeline is for a process and plan to be fair, equitable, and inclusive and to provide opportunity for public input on behalf of Richmond residents.
Public meetings regarding the criteria and schedule include:
- December 21, 2021
Richmond City Council Special Meeting
Richmond City Council Meeting to adopt Redistricting Criteria and Schedule
- December 15, 2021
Richmond City Council Governmental Operations Standing Committee Meeting, Discussion of draft legislation
- December 13, 2021
Richmond City Council Formal Meeting on Monday, December 13, 2021, which included the introduction of Richmond City Council Resolution # 2021-R084
- December 6, 202
Richmond City Council Organizational Development Standing Committee meeting 2021-R084, Presentation and discussion of proposed criteria and schedule.
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October 11, 2021
Richmond City Council Informal meeting on Monday, October 11, 2021 Presentation and discussion of redistricting.
Public input is actively solicited, requested, encouraged, and invited
Richmonders interested in the process are solicited, encouraged, invited, and requested to please take the opportunity to contact the Richmond City Council member that represents them for more information and/or to share their thoughts and ideas regarding redistricting.
Richmond City Council also solicits, encourages, invites, and requests interested Richmond residents, in accordance with Virginia law, to offer, submit, suggest, and share public comments, including (but not limited to) data, questions, alternate plans, suggestions, etc., via the following helpful ways:
- Mail:
Richmond City Council
Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting
Richmond City Hall
900 E. Broad Street, Suite 305
Richmond, Virginia 23219
- Fax:
804.646.5468
- Email:
Contact Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting information portal, at redistricting@rva.gov
Richmond residents will continue to have numerous opportunities for public hearing, input, discussion, awareness, engagement, feedback, deliberations, and comment on the 2021/2022 Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting process and any proposed plan or plans.
The intent of the redistricting process is for public participation in plan creation for reapportioning and redistricting of the local Richmond Voter Districts and be fair, inclusive and equitable and provide opportunity for public input and additional community opportunities and dates will be provided as needed.
Community solicitation of input will be conducted.
Find Your Richmond Voter District
Richmond residents can use the following helpful portal, if needed, to assist in identifying their individual Richmond Voter District:
- Richmond Real Estate Property Search Database https://apps.richmondgov.com/applications/propertysearch/Search.aspx
(note: once you’ve entered your address, use the Govt. tab to identify your Voter Districts)
Current Richmond Voter District Map (2012-2021)
The current Richmond Voter Districts were reapportioned/redistricted through the Richmond City Council 2011/2012 Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting Project and Council Ord. # 2011-185 (As Amended) on Nov. 28, 2011, in response to the 2010 U.S. Census. Official approval to use the Richmond Voter Districts was provided via the United States of America Department of Justice preclearance process, which was received on March 9, 2012.
- Current Richmond Voter Districts (PDF)
- Richmond Department of Information Technology - Mapping Apps
- Richmond GIS Mapping – Interactive – Richmond Voter Districts
- Helpful Instructions for GIS Mapping Application (PDF)
Richmond Criteria for Redistricting
The Richmond Criteria for Redistricting (Richmond City Council Resolution # 2021-R084) are in compliance with state and federal law and were developed with the assistance of the Richmond Office of the City Attorney’s redistricting consultant, Mr. Gerry Hebert, and included public input, discussion, awareness, engagement, feedback, deliberations, comment, opportunity, inclusion, and public hearings on the proposed resolution.
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The 2021 Council redistricting plan shall fully comply with all relevant federal and state laws with regard to the protection of voting rights.
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The 2021 Council redistricting plan should, to the extent feasible, avoid splits of voting precincts between the Council, School Board, state legislative and congressional election districts.
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The 2021 Council redistricting plan should, to the extent feasible, maximize voter convenience and the effective administration of elections.
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The 2021 Council redistricting plan should, wherever possible, preserve communities of interest as defined in section 24.2-304.4 of the Code of the Virginia (1950), as amended.
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The 2021 redistricting plan should, if possible, consolidate smaller voting precincts so that the number of registered voters in each precinct is at least the statewide average.
Redistricting News/Updates
Please find the following news releases regarding the Richmond City Council - 2021/2022 Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting.
Latest Redistricting News Releases
https://richmondvacitycouncil.blogspot.com/
REDISTRICTING: Reminder - Ongoing Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting public engagement process
Comments encouraged on draft Redistricting Demonstration Map 2C
Link: https://richmondvacitycouncil.blogspot.com/2022/04/redistricting-reminder-ongoing-richmond.html
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REDISTRICTING: Reminder, Updates, and Ongoing Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting public engagement process
Comments encouraged on draft Redistricting Demonstration Map 2C
Link: https://richmondvacitycouncil.blogspot.com/2022/03/redistricting-reminder-updates-and.html
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REDISTRICTING: Reminder, Updates, and Ongoing Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting public engagement process
Comments encouraged on draft Redistricting Demonstration Map 2C
Link: https://richmondvacitycouncil.blogspot.com/2022/03/redistricting-remind…
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REDISTRICTING: Richmond City Council has added additional public special meeting to Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting public engagement process: To introduce two Resolutions regarding Redistricting for expedited consideration
Meeting to be held Mon., March 7, 2022, beginning at 5:00 p.m.
Link: https://richmondvacitycouncil.blogspot.com/2022/03/redistricting-richmo…
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Richmond City Council to add additional public meeting to its Redistricting Richmond Decennial Voter District Redistricting public engagement process
Meeting to be held Wednesday, February 23, 2022, at 3:30 p.m.
Link: https://richmondvacitycouncil.blogspot.com/2022/02/richmond-city-council-to-add-additional.html
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Richmond Redistricting Population updated: Three upcoming public map drawing sessions