Workshop Item Cory Richter, GIS Manager/Cathy Sorensen, City Clerk
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Redistricting 2022
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Background
Redistricting is the process of redrawing boundaries of election districts to ensure that the people of each district are equally represented. This process begins once the federal census is completed every 10 years. Using data from the 2020 Census, new boundaries will be determined that reflect population growth and shifts over the past decade and create new boundaries so each district has roughly the same number of people.
The Minnesota State Legislature is responsible for redistricting Minnesota's congressional districts, Minnesota Senate and House districts and Metropolitan Council districts. Local governments are responsible for redistricting the remaining election districts, such as county commissioners, school boards, and cities. Once the Legislature has completed their work, the City will reestablish ward and precinct boundaries based on population shifts throughout the City. While the deadline for the Legislature to approve a redistricting plan is February 15, historically the Minnesota Supreme Court has had to issue redistricting plans establishing congressional, senate, and legislative districts. If that is the case again the City will await release of final plans then complete boundary establishment work in time for the March 29 deadline. Candidate filing begins May 17 and new ward and precinct boundaries will be in effect for the state primary election in August.
Based on data from the 2020 census, Blaine’s population grew by 13,036 to 70,222 residents - almost a 23% increase since the 2010 census. Redistricting will help rebalance the population in each of Blaine’s wards, which should include approximately 23,407 residents per ward with a maximum deviation of 5%. Wards are portions of a city represented by a specific elected official on the city council and must be as equal in population as possible. As you well know, as outlined in City Charter the Blaine Council includes six elected officials, two from each of the City’s three wards, with the Mayor elected at-large. Staff did have some preliminary discussions around the concept of redefining the current ward structure, such as five wards with one elected official representing each ward and the Mayor and one Councilmember serving at-large, but concluded it would be best to wait to continue this conversation until prior to the next redistricting cycle to allow for full build-out of the City in 2030 or 2031, which would require a Charter amendment.
Different from wards, precincts are geographical areas used for elections and help determine where a resident votes and who and what is on a voter's ballot. Votes are tallied and reported by precincts throughout the country. Once ward boundaries are determined, precincts will be identified or reestablished. Any changes that occur to voting precincts and polling places will be shared with voters. As an added note, as development and redevelopment occurs throughout the City it will be very important to include public spaces where possible to ensure sufficient polling places are available going forward.
A webpage has been created to share information on redistricting and includes links to the Secretary of State’s Office and the Minnesota Legislature. We will also include a form to allow for public input on the proposed maps and the Charter Commission has been invited to attend this evening to provide their input. Finalized maps/data will be posted online and in the upcoming City newsletter. Key points to consider as we move through this process:
• Important to focus on equal representation in all levels of government
• Blaine potentially could be in 3 congressional districts and 4 legislative districts which increases difficulties in drawing boundaries
• Potential budget impacts if/when precincts/polling places are added - voting equipment, judge teams, etc.
• Board/commission representation will be impacted
• Cohesiveness of townhome associations where practicable
• Very important that we identify new polling places over the next few years
• Communication of polling places - it will be vital to share through all avenues new/changed polling locations and reasons why they changed to help diffuse voter frustration, which is to ensure effective elections.
- Online
- Print (Blaine Life, CityConnect)
- In person sessions at MAYC
- Posters at key locations (libraries, others)
- NMTV
- Utility billing inserts
- Civic Newsflash
- Anoka County - will send Special Redistricting Postal Verification Card to all registered voters informing them of changes
Staff Recommendation
Council is asked to provide input on the proposed redistricting maps.
Attachment List
PowerPoint presentation