The US Census was completed last year and the results published in February. The data show that Oregon has grown by 12% since 2000, adding nearly 410,000 new residents.
But this growth happened unevenly across the state, so electoral districts must be redrawn. The Oregon and the U.S. Constitution require that the districts be of roughly equal population. Oregon law also specifies that districts:
• Be contiguous
• Utilize existing geographic or political boundaries
• Not divide communities of common interest
• Be connected by transportation links
Oregon law also requires that no district is drawn for the purpose of favoring any political party, incumbent legislator, or for the purpose of diluting the voting strength of any language or ethnic minority group.
The Legislature wants your comments! A redistricting hearing (via video conference) is scheduled for Friday, March 18, from 8 am to 11 am at EOU in Inlow Hall room 013.
Now, some of us may not think this is a great way to spend our Friday morning. But for those Democrats who LOVE the nuts and bolts of Oregon politics… this is your chance to shine!
More information can be found at http://www.leg.state.or.us/redistricting/home.htm.