Douglas County Seeks Public Input on Redistricting Maps
Posted on 12/06/2021
Minden, Nev.- Douglas County officials introduce proposed redistricting maps and start the process to solicit feedback from the public.
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 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.
The Douglas County Clerk-Treasure’s office is seeking public input on the proposed redistricting maps for both County Commissioner Districts and School District Board Trustee Districts.
“These maps determine areas grouped together for the purposes of electing board members which is why it’s important to ensure each community is equally represented. Public input about what those boundaries look like is strongly encouraged and critical to the process,” said Amy Burgans, Douglas County Clerk/Treasurer. “This is a great opportunity for the public to be involved in an effort that will shape the way they’re represented for the next decade. We urge everyone to visit the webpages our office has created and give feedback so that their voices may be heard.”
The requirements for redistricting the School Board Districts is set by state law. The School Board must pass a Resolution agreeing to the new districts and then a Resolution must be presented and passed by the Board of County Commissioners.
The first presentation of the proposed maps for the School Board District boundaries will be heard on Tuesday, December 14, 2021.
The boundaries for the Board of County Commissioner Districts can only be changed through adoption of an ordinance. Beginning on January 6, 2022 the Douglas County Commissioners will consider options for redistricting. The Board will hear public input and evaluate, discuss, and direct the boundary change. Following the presentation of proposed maps at subsequent meetings, the ordinance will be heard twice by the Board of Commissioners before it goes into effect mid to late February.
Public feedback on the proposed maps is being accepted from December 6, 2021 through January 5, 2022.
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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