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The Bernalillo County Commission is in the final stage of evaluating proposed changes to political boundaries within the county and is scheduled to vote on adopting new boundaries on Dec.14. Remapping or redistricting is required every 10 years to accommodate changes in population documented by the U.S. Census. As populations grow, shrink, or move around, districts must be redrawn so that each district contains approximately the same number of people. As the maps are redrawn attention focuses on the preservation of minority voting rights, contiguity, compactness and communities of interest.
“We have reviewed concepts, asked many questions, heard from constituents and are preparing to vote next week,” says Commission Chair Charlene Pyskoty. “There is still time to share your thoughts on the proposed changes.
Population growth in Bernalillo County from 2010-2020 was +2.1 percent bringing the current population to 676,444. Thus, the ideal population size for each of the five districts is 135,289. Population change within the districts was minimal except for District 4 which grew by 8.55 percent. Districts 1, 2, 3 and 5 are within the allowable population deviation of 5 percent. District 4’s deviation is above 5 percent so its boundaries must be adjusted to decrease its population.
The most recent redistricting plan being considered would equalize the population of each district while keeping the cores of existing districts intact. Under concept map concept C-3, the Uptown area would be kept whole in District 5 and most of South Broadway, East San Jose, and the Kirtland Addition would go into District 3.
Visit Bernco.gov/redistricting to find the current maps for districts 1-5, proposed remapping concepts, a link to submit written public comment, or call (505) 448-3365 to make a public comment and other background information. The deadline to submit a comment is Dec. 14.