NC Growth Could Merit Additional US House Seat

North Carolina could be getting another Congressional seat, but new population figures must be confirmed before that happens.

The U.S. Census Bureau released new estimates this week. They show North Carolina's population grew ten percent over the last decade, up to 10.5 million.

The Charlotte Observer reports that if those numbers hold up when the full census is done this year, they would qualify for an additional House seat. That means, in terms of congressional seats, North Carolina would have as many or more than all but six other states.

There are currently 13 Congressional districts in North Carolina. 

A new district would be created for the additional seat in 2021. That's the normal timeframe for when the state redraws its congressional and legislative boundaries. 

The state's electoral votes would also increase to 16.