County of Del Norte Redistricting Process

County of Del Norte

REDISTRICTING PROCESS

Every ten years, local governments use new census data to redraw their district lines to reflect how local populations have changed. Assembly Bill 849 (2019) requires cities and counties to engage communities in the redistricting process by holding public hearings and/or workshops and doing public outreach, including to non-English speaking communities.

What is redistricting?

Every ten years, districts must be redrawn so that each district is substantially equal in population. This process, called redistricting, is important in ensuring that each board member represents about the same number of constituents. In Del Norte County, the Board of Supervisors is responsible for drawing supervisorial districts. Redistricting is done using US Census data, which is expected to be released around September 30, 2021. For the County of Del Norte, the redistricting process must be completed by December 15, 2021.

Why does redistricting matter to me?

Redistricting determines which neighborhoods and communities are grouped together into a district for purposes of electing a board member.

The Board of Supervisors will seek input in selecting the next district map for our supervisorial districts. You have an opportunity to share with the Board of Supervisors how you think district boundaries should be drawn to best represent your community.

You can contact the County Clerk at (707) 464-7216 to find out more about how the process works.

What do the existing supervisorial districts look like?

You can find a map of the County's current supervisorial districts here: District Maps

What criteria will our Board of Supervisors use when drawing the district lines?

To the extent practicable, district lines will be adopted using the following criteria: (1) geographically contiguous districts (each supervisorial district should share a common border with the next), (2) the geographic integrity of local neighborhoods or communities shall be respected in a manner that minimizes its division, (3) geographic integrity of a city shall be respected in a manner that minimizes its division, (4) easily identifiable boundaries that follow natural or artificial barriers (rivers, streets, highways, rail lines, etc.), and (5) lines shall be drawn to encourage geographic compactness. In addition, boundaries shall not be drawn for purposes of favoring or discriminating against a political party.

How will our Board of Supervisors notify the public about redistricting?

The Board of Supervisors will reach out to local media to publicize the redistricting process. Also, we will make a good faith effort to notify community groups of various kinds about the redistricting process. Our public [hearings] or [workshops] will be provided in applicable languages if residents submit a request in advance. The Board of Supervisors will notify the public about redistricting meetings, post maps online before adoption, and create a dedicated web page for all relevant information about the redistricting process.

How can I get involved?

An Advisory Redistricting Commission established by the Board of Supervisors will be holding redistricting meetings to receive public input on where district lines should be drawn. Those meetings will be held via zoom and/or in the Board of Supervisors Chambers at 981 H Street, Room 100; Crescent City, CA 95531. The dates and times are as follows:

Saturday, July 31, 2021 at 10:00 A.M. Agenda Audio recording

Tuesday, August 24, 2021 at 6:00 P.M. Agenda Video recording

Saturday, October 23, 2021 at 10:00 A.M.

Tuesday, October 26, 2021 at 6:00 P.M.

You can also submit public comments, including suggested draft maps, by emailing: redistricting@co.del-norte.ca.us

Who are the members of the Advisory Redistricting Commission?

The Board of Supervisors appointed 8 members to the Advisory Redistricting Commission on July 27, 2021. Those 8 members appointed the 9th and final member at the July 31, 2021 Advisory Redistricting Meeting. The members are: