Redistricting brings new names to some Hampton congressional ballots

Congressional redistricting means many Hampton voters will see different names on the ballots for Congress when they got to the polls in November.

Before redistricting resulting from the 2010 Census, Hampton was split among three congressional districts. It's now divided between two districts because the First Congressional District, now represented by Republican Rob Wittman, no longer covers part of Hampton.

According to a news release, five precincts – Burbank, Kraft, Phillips, Tucker-Capps and Sandy Bottom – have moved from the First District to the Second District, held by Rep. Scott Rigell, also a Republican.

Machen, also formerly in the First District, will soon be split between the Second and Third Districts, with most residents west of Magruder Boulevard in the Second District and most of those east of Magruder in the Third, according to the release.

Five precincts that were in the Second District – Armstrong, Phoebus, Hampton Library, Wythe and Kecoughtan – will be in the Third District, now represented by Democrat Bobby Scott.

Both incumbents are facing November challengers, with Republican Dean Long challenging Scott and Democrat Paul Hirschbiel Jr. trying to unseat Rigell.

Voters should also note that the state's new voter ID law is expected to be in effect for the November elections. Acceptable forms of identification include a Virginia voter card, Social Security card, valid Virginia driver’s license, government agency ID or employee photo ID.

For more voting information, visit www.hampton.gov/voter.

Filed under: GOVERNMENT