After the Falls Church City Council adopted an ordinance on Dec. 12, 2011, reducing the number of voting wards in the City from five to three, the City announced this week it has submitted the change to the United States Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, for clearance, as required by the Civil Rights Act of 1965.

The Justice Department reviews all election changes in certain southern states to ensure that proposed voting changes do not have the purpose, and will not have the effect, of discriminating based on race. The Falls Church change from five to three voting precincts is expected to save money and lead to greater efficiencies in voting. A copy of this submission is available for review during normal business hours in the City Clerk’s office, 300 Park Ave.

The public is also invited to make comments for consideration to the U.S. Attorney General.