Re-districting Hearings

Next week the Redistricting Commission will begin holding a series of public hearings across the state. The input provided at these meetings will serve as the basis for the legislative and congressional district boundary changes proposed by the commission. These hearings are a vital part of the redistricting process and we encourage you to attend the meetings near your community.

This is a key opportunity for you to let the commissioners know about your congressional and legislative district, its cities, neighborhoods, natural boundaries and communities of interest. Strictly speaking, these hearings are not meant to solicit specifically partisan feedback. By law the commissioners are required to consider the following criteria:
- Equal population
- Contiguous and compact boundaries
- Following local political subdivisions and areas where people share a common interest, such as race or ethnicity

Don't go to testify that "I want to keep living in the 67th LD.," or "If you draw the line north of Main Street we can keep this a Democratic District." But by speaking to the above criteria you can provide support to the Democrats on the Re-Districting Commission to ensure that a fair map is drawn.

If you are unable to attend these hearings in person, they will also be available via webcast and broadcast on TWV. In addition to the public hearings, you can submit written and electronic comments to the commission or even create plans of your own. More information about getting involved can be found http://www.redistricting.wa.gov/.

Aberdeen: Tuesday, May 17, Grays Harbor College HUB, 1620 Edward P. Smith Drive
Olympia: Wednesday, May 18, John A. Cherberg Building, 304 15th Ave., Senate Hearing
Room 1
Vancouver: Thursday, May 19, Hilton Vancouver Hotel, 301 West 6th St, Discovery Ballroom ABC
Renton: Monday, May 23, Renton, Renton Technical College cafeteria, 3000 NE 4th St.
Bellevue: Tuesday, May 24, Red Lion Hotel Bellevue, Evergreen Point Room, 11211 Main St.
Everett: Wednesday, May 25, Everett Community College, Jackson Conference Center, 2000 Tower St.
All forums begin at 6 p.m. with an open house and presentations. Public comment will be heard from 7 to 9 p.m.
*There are also public hearings planned in Bellingham, Pasco, Yakima, Wenatchee, Seattle, Federal Way, Bremerton, Tacoma, Maple Valley, Spokane, Moses Lake and Walla Walla. These locations are subject to change and the Commission will release a full schedule shortly.