Ward boundaries have shifted with the new map. Do you know which one you live in?
PETERSBURG— Ward maps were redrawn last year after new information came out with the 2020 Census. There might still be a question in your mind about which ward you belong to now, so we've created a quick outline detailing the changes. The biggest changes come to the Blandford neighborhood, which is being further divided, moving more homes into Councilman Charlie Cuthbert's ward. Also, Berkeley Manor, formerly part of Ward 2, is moving into Ward 1.
Note that for this year, elections are only happening in Wards 1, 3, 5, and 7. The next election cycle for the even-numbered wards take place November 2024.
Ward 1
Ward 1 is on the far east side of Petersburg and includes the neighborhoods of Lakemont, some of Blandford, Berkeley Manor, the mobile homes (Spring Garden, Sunset, Shady Grove), those living in the Acqua Apartments, Pin Oaks and Petersburg East, and all those living around County Dr. and Normandy Dr. It is currently represented by Councilwoman Treska Wilson-Smith, but she will be stepping down at the end of the year. Candidates Chioma Adaku-Griffin and Marlow Jones are running for the seat.
What neighborhoods have been subtracted?
The new map divides the Blandford neighborhood even further—if you live north of Wythe street, you are now part of Ward 4, and not part of Ward 1. Ward 4 is currently represented by Councilman Cuthbert.
Those who live in the Crater Square Apartments will no longer be in Ward 1, as well as those living in that enclave next to the apartments: Myrick, Elliot, Allen and King Ave. You are now part of Ward 2, represented by Councilman Darrin Hill.
What was added?
Berkeley Manor, formerly in Ward 2, has been grafted into Ward 1.
Polling site: Blandford Academy, 816 Bank St.
Ward 2
Ward 2, on the southeast side of Petersburg and in between the east side of S. Crater Rd. and 1-95, includes the neighborhoods of Oakhurst, north and south plains, and East Walnut Hill. It also includes the area around Crater Woods Ct. There were no significant areas subtracted from the ward.
What was added?
Those who live in the Crater Square Apartments, as well as those living in that enclave next to the apartments: Myrick, Elliot, Allen and King Ave. You will no longer be a part of Ward 1.
Polling site: Good Shepherd Baptist Church, 2223 S. Crater Rd.
Ward 3
Ward 3, in the southern center of Petersburg, will remain relatively the same. It includes the neighborhoods of Walnut Hill and Battlefield Park. It is currently represented by Mayor Sam Parham, who is running against Michael Moore-Storrs.
What was subtracted?
There are no major changes to this ward except for the Monticello Park area of northeast Walnut Hill, in between S. Sycamore and Monticello St, is now a part Ward 4.
Polling Site: Petersburg High School, 3101 Johnson Rd.
Ward 4
Ward 4, represented by Councilman Charlie Cuthbert, lies in the northern center of Petersburg and includes Pocahontas Island, downtown, Grove St., and Claremont, running all the way down along S. Sycamore St. and Crater Rd.
What was added?
The northwest part of Blandford, north of Wythe St., will be added to Cuthbert's Ward, in addition to the Monticello Park area of Northeast Walnut Hill.
What was subtracted?
The Halifax Triangle, along with all of those living on the west side of Sycamore St., are now part of Ward 5.
Polling Site: Union Tran Station, 103 River St.
Ward 5
Ward 5, in the center of Petersburg which includes High St., Harding St, Halifax St., W. Washington St., the Artistspace and Perry Lofts, Virginia Avenue, parts of Delectable heights, and Virginia Avenue, is represented by Councilman Howard Myers. Michelle Murrills is running against him for the seat.
What was added?
Those living west of Sycamore St., including Union, W. Fillmore, Darcy, Walnut Ln, Corling, and Early St (formerly part of Ward 4) as well as the small section of Prince Ave. and Magnolia St., formerly part of Ward 6.
What was subtracted?
The small area west of Dunlop Street and those who live in Lieutenant's Run, including Tanglewood. Those areas now part of Ward 6 represented by Annette Smith-Lee.
Polling site: Tabernacle Community Life Center, 444 Halifax St.
Ward 6
Ward 6, in the northwestern part of Petersburg, includes the Cool Springs neighborhood. Minor changes happened in this ward.
What was added?
The small area west of Dunlop Street and those who live in Lieutenant's Run, including Tanglewood.
What was subtracted?
Those living in the small section of Prince Ave. and Magnolia St. are now part of Ward 5.
Polling Site: Cool Springs Elementary School; 1450 Talley Avenue
Ward 7
Ward 7 lies on the far west side of Petersburg, which includes Kenilworth, Pleasants Lane, Pembroke, Camelot and Pecan Acres. It is currently represented by Councilman Arnold Westbrook, who is running against Elsie Jarmon. No major changes have happened in this ward.
Polling site: Pleasants Lane Elementary School; 100 Pleasants Lane.
See the full boundaries and streets of your ward online here, but remember to scroll down to the last map, Scenario 10, for the actual redistricted map.
If you have a question about which ward you live in or need to apply to vote, call the registrars office at 804-733-8071 or email them at Petersburgelections@comcast.net.
The complete list of candidates running:
City Council
Ward 1: Marlow Jones, Chioma Adaku
Ward 3: Sam Parham, Michael Moore-Storrs
Ward 5: Howard Myers, Michelle Murrills, and Lois Long
Ward 7: Arnold Westbrook, Elsie Jarmon
Virginia's 4th Congressional District Election
Aston McEachin (D), Leon Benjamin Sr. (R)
School Board
Ward 1: Steven Piece Sr.
Ward 3: Kenneth Pritchett
Ward 5: Unique Luna, E. Joyce Proctor
Ward 7: Ronnie Watson, Adrian Dance Sr.
Remember this:
Election Day is Nov. 8, 2022.
In-person early voting for the election begins Sept. 23 and continues until Nov. 5, three days before the election at the Voter Registration Main Office (229 N. Market St., Petersburg, VA 23803). On weekdays, you can go in from 8am to noon, then at 1pm to 5pm. The office will also be open Saturdays Oct. 29 and Nov. 5 from 9am to 5pm.
The deadline to register to vote or to update an existing registration is Oct. 17. Anyone who registers after that date will be able to vote using a provisional ballot.
The deadline to apply for a mail-in ballot is Oct. 28.
You can register to vote or apply for an absentee ballot online through the Virginia Department of Elections' citizen portal.
Ballot drop boxes will also be available at the same dates, times, and location as early voting, and until Election Day at 7pm.
More:Get to know your Ward 1 candidates: Marlow Jones and Chioma Adaku-Griffin
More:Petersburg mayor faces political newcomer in race to be Ward 3's councilor
More:Get to know your Ward 7 candidates: Arnold Westbrook and Elsie Jarmon
More:At forum, Petersburg political hopefuls talk casino, crime, public money and solar panels
Joyce Chu, an award-winning investigative journalist, is the Social Justice Watchdog Reporter for The Progress Index. Contact her with comments, concerns, or story-tips at Jchu1@gannett.com or on Twitter @joyce_speaks.
This article originally appeared on The Progress-Index: Ward boundaries shifted with the new map. Which one do you live in?
