The redistricting plan is based upon the concept of one person - one vote; maintaining districts at roughly the same population size in order to have fair and equal representation as populations shift. This county process addresses only board of supervisor districts, voting precincts, and school board representation areas. It does not impact school boundaries, or State General Assembly and Congressional districts. Supervisors and school board members now representing the impacted districts will complete their current terms, which expire Dec. 31, 2023.
What’s In a Name?
The advisory commission now turns its work toward considering whether new names for the districts and precincts are appropriate. Their recommendations are due to the Board of Supervisors by March 1.
Review of current names will consider their appropriateness and inclusiveness; whether any names are offensive to the community, including those associated with Confederate history or racism, or counter to the philosophy of One Fairfax.
For example, Ravensworth Precinct which moved from Braddock to Mason District, is a name associated with a Lee family tobacco plantation that held slaves, and Hunter Mill is associated with a Confederate General J.E.B. Stuart property. Other criteria for review include whether names are confusing to residents and geographically significant; of historical significance or no longer reflective of life in that part of the county; are aspirational of the future life here; or if a name change would be disruptive to the economic interest of the District or Precinct.
Residents with interest or who would like to give input to the advisory board which meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays, can find information at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/redistricting.gov.