Redistricting 2012
One Person One Vote
The idea that the voting power of each voter is to be as equal as possible to the vote of any other is as old as our country itself. Equal representation in government was established in the U.S. Constitution, and the concept was paramount to our founding fathers. This basic principal is among those that continue to make our country great.
The 2010 Census has been completed and will be used as the basis for equal representation in each state in the country. According to census data, the population in Florida has increased over the past ten years, and the state has gained an additional two seats in the U.S. House of Representatives, a total of twenty-seven (27) statewide.
Beginning in March 2012, the Elections Office and the Board of County Commissioners will be working together with the Senate and House Reapportionment Committees to adjust voting precincts in Flagler County according to new district lines drawn by the State Legislature. Our precinct maps will be presented to the State Legislature in early 2012 for adoption by a joint resolution, and then on to the Attorney General who petitions the Supreme Court for judgment. If there are no objections, the new districts and precincts will take effect within 60 days of the judgment, or approximately June 2012, just in time for the August primary and November 2012 Presidential Elections.
What is redistricting?
Redistricting refers to the process by which census data is used to redraw the lines and boundaries of electoral districts within a state to ensure that districts are substantially equal in population. Every ten years, each state is required by the U.S. Constitution to redraw the congressional and legislative boundary lines based upon census results. The Florida Legislature is responsible for making the necessary adjustments to these boundary lines, also called districts. Redistricting will change the districts for federal congressional lines and state house and senate districts according to changes in the population.
The deadline for redistricting in the state of Florida is June 18, 2012. The 2010 census population data will be used to redraw the lines for the 2012 primary and general elections. Since the districts will be changing, your representative in Federal and State government may also change. It may also be necessary to adjust precinct boundaries to accommodate the new districts. The Elections Office will mail new voter identification cards if redistricting effects the voters in Flagler County and a notice will be published in the newspaper. As always, early voting and absentee voting are available options for all registered voters.
What Can I Do?
Get involved. Redistricting will change the imprint of your community. It may change the criteria which determines your representation at all levels of government. Here are some ideas:
- Learn more about redistricting by using the Online Resources listed below.
- Contact your State Representative and State Senator. Use the information provided for your Current Elected Officials.
- Take part in the Legislature's public hearings on redistricting throughout Florida, beginning summer 2011.
Online Resources
Florida Senate
Florida Senate Committee on Reapportionment:
 http://www.flsenate.gov/Committees/Show/RE/
Florida House of Representatives
Florida House of Representatives Redistricting Committee:
http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/sections/committees/committeesdetail.aspx?SessionId=66&CommitteeId=2595
Florida House of Representatives Office of Reapportionment:
http://www.myfloridahouse.gov/sections/committees/committeesdetail.aspx?SessionId=64&CommitteeId=2529
FloridaRedistricting.org
Receive email alerts and view redistricting as it happens with MyDistrictBuilder map from the U.S. House of Representatives.
http://www.floridaredistricting.org/
High resolution maps of each district are available here: Districts & Precincts Maps
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