Commissioners in Nash and Edgecombe counties wisely have decided to pay for postcards that will update every voter in the Twin Counties on redistricting changes.

In an election cycle as important – and as chaotic – as this one, the updates will go a long way toward preventing confusion at the polls.

It probably would be easier to list the names of voters who have been unaffected by redistricting than it would be to list those who have. Under Republican leadership for the first time in more than 100 years, the N.C. General Assembly has redrawn districts for the U.S. House, the N.C. House and N.C. Senate. In addition, many city councils, school boards and county boards of commissioners across the state also have redistricted. The changes come in response to population shifts reported in the 2010 Census.

The General Assembly’s redistricting has split precincts at an unprecedented pace. Many of us will find ourselves in unfamilar legislative and U.S. House districts.

Nash hopes to begin mailing the cards out during the week of Feb. 20.

The communication effort isn’t cheap. Elections officials in Nash County say the mailing will cost about $28,000. But it’s safe to say, this will be the most important communication voters will receive from local elections offices for at least 10 years.

We’re glad county commissioners have seen the value of the effort.