Commission Closer to Redistricting Map?

Memphis, Tn - A new map has emerged in the Shelby County battle to redraw district voting lines.

The new map has 13 districts with on representative per district. Up until now, only multi-member districts were on the table.

The map has seven districts that are majority African-American, as required by the Voting Rights Act.

It has four districts in the suburbs, an increase from the three current suburban districts.

It could have seven or eight democratic districts, which could be a sticking point. Democrats would like eight. Republicans want only seven.

This new plan has support across party lines, but it's unclear if it will be good enough to get the nine votes needed to pass.

"I still support a multi member district map but if we're not going to be able to get that done, we've got to look at what's next, trying to find the best solution, best compromise for everybody," said County Commissioner Chris Thomas.

Commissioner Steve Mulroy says, "It will be fair and proportional with respect to race, fair and proportional with respect to party, fair and proportional with respect to urban versus suburban."

The plan got six votes in committee on Wednesday, with one absent Commissioner expected to be the seventh yes vote.

Commissioners Thomas and Heidi Shaffer abstained .

Supporters of single member districts are hoping they represent the 8th and 9th vote needed to get this map passed.

The first full vote is Monday. It takes three votes for a map to pass.