Redistricting

Every ten years the United States conducts a census and the following year, the State Legislature is allowed to realign the congressional and legislative boundaries, to keep districts roughly equal in population.  Growth shifts and so the boundaries are bound to shift as well.  This year is the year of redistricting. 

In the past, Utah's law makers have been accused of gerrymandering the boundaries to protect their own interests.  They want to prevent these sorts of accusations this time around and have scheduled public meetings to discuss potential district maps.  There will be one such meeting here in Provo next week. 

On Wednesday, June 22nd, the Utah Legislative Redistricting Committee will hold a meeting at Centennial Middle School starting at 6 PM.  The school is located at 305 E 2320 N.

In addition, you can become more knowledgeable and involved in this process by visiting the State's Redistricting website (click here).  Not only is there information about the changes in Utah's population and the redistricting process, on this site you can draw up and evaluate your own district maps.

At odds are two philosophies: 1) draw the boundaries using as many established boundaries as possible, so that communities have representatives with shared interests; or 2) draw the boundaries so that law makers represent diverse populations. 
If the lines are drawn with only existing community boundaries and population as the guiding principles, elected officials could be drawing themselves out of their jobs.
With the second mapping principle, even small communities could be cut up like pizza slices. 

Population growth will require changes in the boundary map.  If election data from previous years influence the map, legislators can choose their voters and insure their reelection.  It will be important to have public scrutiny of this process.  Be informed and let your voices be heard!