Visalia is nearing the end of its redistricting process, but there is still time for you to get involved!

Every ten years, the new federal census data is revealed. Public agencies and other organizations in California must use the Census to redraw the lines of their voting districts to accurately represent any population shifts occurring within the last decade. These newly drawn districts must be relatively equal in population and meet requirements set by the Voting Rights Act and the Fair Maps Act of California. This process is known as redistricting.

Community members and local organizations worked to create redrawn districts in maps that followed set redistricting requirements.

Thursday, January 20th was the final deadline to submit maps for consideration.Raw versions of the maps are available on the city’s website. All maps received by the deadline were submitted to the hired consultant group, the National Demographic Corporation(NDC). The NDC is now analyzing each map.

The city has already held the four legally required redistricting public hearings, but due to the delayed redistricting timeline, two more public hearings will occur. Each map and its analysis will be presented by the NDC at the next redistricting public hearing.

The redistricting of political districts occuring in Visalia right now is an opportunity for community members to ensure that their needs will be represented at the local government level. City Council members have a say in establishing policy and financing of city services.

Public comments are encouraged at the upcoming meeting, even by community members who have not yet been involved in the redistricting process. Redistricting affects who is representing our communities. Fair redistricting plans ensure that voters have the opportunity to elect officials who will listen and be responsive to their interests.

On Monday, February 7th, the fifth public redistricting hearing is being held for the NDC, City Council, and community members to discuss the submitted maps. The meeting will be held at City Hall West (City Council Chambers), 707 W. Acequia Ave., Visalia, 93291 and begins at 7:30 p.m.