Redistricting is the process of revising the geographic boundaries within a state from which people elect their representatives to the U.S. House of Representatives, state legislature, county board, city council, and school board.

Redistricting at the Local Level

The three-step process for municipal and county redistricting requires cooperation and coordination among counties and their related municipalities. This process begins at the county level, moves to the municipal level, and finally culminates with county adoption of supervisory districts and city adoption of aldermanic districts. Each of the three phases is comprised of a sixty-day work period.

Step One:  Within sixty days of receiving the census data, county boards will submit a tentative County Supervisory District Plan to each municipality in the county. Each county board is required to hold a public hearing on the tentative plan and to solicit suggestions from both the municipalities and the general public. The tentative plan may be amended after the public hearing to incorporate the suggestions. A copy of the tentative plan is then sent to the municipalities within the county.

Step Two:  Municipalities adjust ward boundaries in line with the proposed county supervisory district plans. The wards established govern the adjustment of supervisory districts. An ordinance or resolution describing ward boundary lines must be adopted.

Step Three:  Within sixty days of receiving municipal ward adjustments, counties are required to adopt final supervisory district plans consisting of whole municipal wards. Cities must also establish aldermanic district plans. In order to adopt a final county plan, a public hearing is required. Following adoption of the plan, each county must file a copy with the secretary of state.

Redistricting Calendar