Gainesville officials have submitted a plan to redraw its voting districts to the U.S. Department of Justice, giving residents another opportunity to comment on the proposed ward map.

City Council approved the new boundaries for its five wards in October, seeking to realign the boundaries with new population estimates from the 2010 census.

The recommendation must be approved by the Justice Department, as required by the Voting Rights Act.

The city submitted the maps for review Thursday, according to a news release.

The Justice Department, in its review, will consider residents' comments on the maps. Those comments can be submitted by mail or by email. For information, visit www.justice.gov/crt/about/vot or call 1-800-254-3931.

Residents can view the proposal in the City Manager's office. The office is located on the third floor of the Joint Administration Building at 300 Henry Ward Way.

Ashley Fielding