“That’s gonna have an ulterior affect — I believe — on the black vote and other minorities.”
SOUTH CAROLINA, USA — One of the biggest proposed changes would move Rock Hill and surrounding York County communities into a different congressional district, potentially shifting political influence for thousands of voters.
“I can see what’s happening, it’s a political motivation and they’re taking advantage of the Supreme Court rulings. That’s gonna have an ulterior affect — I believe — on the Black vote and other minorities,” Rock Hill resident Jack Canty said.
Canty is a Rock Hill resident and Native American, who grew up on the Catawba reservation and has significant memory of what it was like for his family when it came time to vote, and the importance.
“Born and raised on the reservation, like I said, and I know my dad — when we were allowed, finally, to vote back in his days — that he did participate in voting, which made me want to vote and participate as I grew older,” Canty said.
Now, South Carolina Republicans are pushing a rare mid-decade redraw of the state’s congressional maps following a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling involving voting districts in Louisiana.
Under the draft map, parts of Rock Hill, Fort Mill and Lancaster County would move into different districts, which could primarily reshape district lines in Democratic-leaning areas.
“The young man that gave the presentation of the mapping process did not have enough time,” one resident who attended the public hearing said. “If you look at all of these elements and factors, the universe, the people, your voters are telling you to stand down.”
Supporters say the redraw is legal and necessary to reflect population and regional changes. But critics argue the proposal is not only political gerrymandering, but simply not ready.
“So, if you really want to do it, you’re gonna have to postpone it. Otherwise, you’re looking at willfully ignoring votes that should count,” another citizen said.
Lawmakers have not finalized the map yet, but House leaders are keeping the door open for a special legislative session later this month.
“I don’t think it’s necessary, especially this close to the midterm elections,” Canty said.
If approved, the new congressional map would be used in South Carolina’s 2026 midterm elections.
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