Minden, NV-Douglas County officially posted its redistricting maps, a process that began in October of 2021 after data from the 2020 census was released to the Douglas County Clerk Treasure’s Office. The Douglas County Geographic Information Systems (GIS) has been working diligently to produce the maps which involved an intricate process. The Douglas County Clerk-Treasure’s office conducted an extensive public process regarding the redistricting of the maps which included public input on the proposed redistricting maps for County Commissioner Districts, School District Board Trustee Districts and East Fork Fire Protection Districts.
“This has been a very elaborate process involving multiple resources at the County and State level and we have been working as quickly as possible to produce the maps with precision and timeliness,” said Amy Burgans, Douglas County Clerk Treasurer.
Redistricting is a process of redrawing the boundaries of the election districts within the County to reflect changes in population. Every 10 years, after receiving data from the Census, the district boundaries must be redrawn so that each district is substantially equal in population. Federal and state laws, including the U.S. Constitution and the Voting Rights Act, provide legal requirements for redistricting. The 2020 Census data was delayed due to COVID.
The boundaries for the Board of County Commissioner Districts can only be changed through the adoption of an ordinance. On January 6, 2022 the Douglas County Commissioners considered options for redistricting. The Board heard public input and evaluated, discussed, and directed the boundary change. Following the presentation of proposed maps at subsequent meetings, the ordinance was heard twice by the Board of Commissioners before it was adopted on February 3, 2022.
The requirements for redistricting the School Board Districts is set by state law. A Resolution was presented and passed by the Douglas County School Board of Trustees on January 11, 2022, and then the Board of County Commissioners on February 3, 2022.
The redistricting process is important in determining which communities are grouped together into a single district to ensure equal representation is given to the population by a County Commissioner or School Board member, who resides within the district.
For additional comments or questions please reach out to the Douglas County Clerk-Treasurer’s Office at 775-783-6095 or email [email protected]
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