DOVER – The House released its proposed legislative redistricting maps on Wednesday in advance of next week’s public hearing.
The maps of the proposed 41 districts, as well as a registration link for the House’s hybrid hearing at 6 p.m. on Monday, October 18, is available on the legislative redistricting website. The hearings will provide the public opportunities to provide their input and suggestions on the draft House district maps.
Every 10 years, states must redraw their legislative districts based on the most recent federal Census data. This process, known as redistricting, requires the General Assembly to follow a very specific, very technical set of guidelines. There are numerous criteria each district must meet, including containing a relatively similar population size and meeting guidelines concerning contiguity, compactness, communities of interest and observing natural or political boundaries, all while maintaining majority-minority districts.
This year’s redistricting process was delayed due to the U.S. Census Bureau’s late reporting of population data to the states. Final population data was received from the Census Bureau in late September. Data is typically released in the spring.
Monday’s hearing will begin with legislative leaders offering an overview of the redistricting process and description of the proposed districts. They will then solicit public comment from residents regarding the proposed maps.
Residents may attend and participate in the public hearing virtually by registering in advance. For those wishing to attend in person at Legislative Hall, space is limited in the House Chamber gallery, and all attendees must observe social distancing and COVID-19 protocols, including wearing a facemask while in the building.
Residents also may offer comments at any time via email at House.Redistricting@delaware.gov.
Legislative leaders will introduce the final maps as a Senate Bill at the end of October. There will be one bill for all 62 legislative districts, detailing the boundaries of each district. The General Assembly will convene for a special session on Monday, Nov. 1 to consider the final redistricting bill. If passed by the House and Senate, it will go to Governor Carney for his signature.
The new legislative districts will take effect for the 2022 general election. Candidates in that election must reside in the new districts, and immediately following the November 8, 2022 election, legislators will begin representing constituents within the new district lines.
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