Redistricting Session Will Affect Oconee County Primarily in Georgia House and Senate

Oconee County’s four commissioners as well as the chairman run at large, rather than by district.

The same is true for the five members of the Oconee County Board of Education.

None of the county’s four cities has districts for their council members.

So when the Georgia General Assembly meets a week from tomorrow to begin its discussion of redistricting made necessary by the 2010 Census, the impact for Oconee County primarily will be felt through the county’s status in future Georgia House and Senate districts.

All Oconee County voters currently vote in the 46th Senate District, represented by Athens attorney Bill Cowsert, and the 113th House District, represented by newly elected Chuck Williams, Oconee County businessman.

But that has not always been the case, and there are hints that Oconee County could lose its dominant status in the 113th.

And, as the most recent election of Williams shows, counties that dominate a district get more attention during a campaign.

Williams has said he knows voters in Oconee want to remain in a single district, but he isn't sure that is going to be possible.

For more on the issue and a review of the history of the composition of Oconee County districts, go to Oconee County Observations.