Factors to know about redrawing Ga election districts

On the congressional level, Democrats worry that suburban U.S. Home districts represented by U.S. Reps. Carolyn Bourdeaux and Lucy McBath could be mixed in a way that effects in an added Republican seat.

What is gerrymandering?

It’s a follow of drawing oddly formed districts that divide communities and decrease competitors in elections.

Every district need to have about the similar variety of voters, but the shape of these districts can be modified for other explanations, splitting cities and even neighborhoods into various districts to produce districts that favor just one political party or a further. Gerrymandering is common in redistricting as the the vast majority celebration — which helps make most of the conclusions — fights to manage its electric power.

The difference amongst good civic boundaries and gerrymandering can be a make a difference of view. That’s the cause the course of action is closely viewed and often challenged in courtroom.

When will the final decision be produced?

Here’s how the redistricting course of action will work out this calendar year:

Summer: Point out lawmakers hold 11 town corridor meetings to hear from the community about the when-in-a-decade procedure of redrawing Georgia’s political boundaries.

By Sept. 30: The U.S. Census Bureau will release specific facts that will be utilized for redistricting, such as population counts by race, voting age and housing occupancy standing.

Late drop: The Ga General Assembly will convene a special session at the point out Capitol to generate new borders for point out Dwelling, state Senate and U.S. Property districts.

Nov. 8, 2022: Elections for governor, statewide places of work, 236 condition legislative districts, 14 U.S. Household users and the U.S. Senate seat held by Democratic U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock. Party primaries will be held previously in the yr.

How can I learn extra?

The General Assembly’s Joint Reapportionment Committee is holding 11 conferences throughout the condition this summer time just before the operate on redistricting begins someday in the drop. The community hearings will be livestreamed and obtainable afterward on demand at www.legis.ga.gov. The Legislative and Congressional Reapportionment Workplace also has a world wide web website page with back links to maps and other assets about the course of action.

Forthcoming city corridor conferences:

Non-public businesses, like Honest Count, Honest Districts and Frequent Bring about, are seeking to educate the general public and motivate participation in community meetings and the do the job of the Legislature.

The Atlanta Journal-Structure Politics staff will offer protection of the Reapportionment Committee and an expected distinctive legislative session to approve the new district maps. Our Politics email newsletter and social media accounts on Fb and Twitter are also fantastic methods to hold up with our coverage.