Citing concerns over Black voting power, West Tampa leaders share redistricting preference

There are four proposals under consideration to redistrict Hillsborough County. Some community leaders worry the changes could dilute Black voting power.

The West Tampa Community Development Corporation held an emergency presentation to discuss concerns of the alternative proposals.

The changes would impact over 14,000 registered voters in the nine precinct under the proposals. Of those, precinct 207 has a majority of Black voters and precincts 342 and 345 have a majority of Hispanic voters. Shifting precinct 207 from District 5 to District 6 like alternative four suggests, raises concerns about reduced representation of Black voters.

Michael Randolph with the West Tampa CDC said residents should support alternative two, which he said best protects the community.

“Only one precinct is moved. There’s no disruption to the West Tampa or East Tampa Black community. No churches were split, and it had strong support, 440 people backed it compared to the other proposal,” Randolph said.

He said alternative two would make no changes to District 4 or West Tampa’s Black and Latino communities. He also said this proposal received the highest community support with 420 votes.

District 5 would gain the Temple Terrace precinct and District 7 would lose one precinct to District 5.

“This is to show what our position is — making sure that we preserve the Black vote here in West Tampa,” Randolph said.

Randolph said alternative one received 287 votes, alternative three received 295 votes and alternative four received the lowest community support with 240 votes.

A public hearing is scheduled for March 9. at the Frederick B. Karl County Center at 601 E. Knnedy Blvd. on the 18th floor. Randolph is encouraging residents to attend and speak out.

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